Orel's Polikarpov I-15

[pmbirner]

I've been searching for a long time for a paper model of the Polikarpov I-153. Orel Models came up with a second best I-15 version which to my understanding is nearly the same save for the non-retractable landing gear. These together with the I-16 were Russia's front line air defence when Germany attacked them in 1941. Paper models of the I-16 have been around for a while with new ones appearing (though only the type 24). The poor biplane I-15 and I-153 are thouroughly neglected subjects, however. Its sad because litterally thousands of these planes were manufactured. Perhaps it was because of the terrible mauling the Russian airforce took at the beginning of the war at the hands of Germany's more modern airforce that they have gained so little attention. IL-2 Sturmovik, a WWII Combat Flight Simulator allows you to fly both the I-16 and the I-153. One of the senarios is to see how long you can last in the little Polikarpovs in the opening days of the war against the German Me-109s. Actually you can survive quite well because the Me-109 isn't nearly as manuverable as especially the biplane Polikarpov I-153. You just won't be able to catch a Me-109 and heaven help you when you land.



There is one page of formers and 4 pages of parts. The elevators and rudder can be built to move.



The engine can be built super detailed with a zillion cooling fins or much much less detailed. This is the M25 engine which is also used on the type 5 I-16 mono winged version of the Polikarpov. I'd like to build one of those because I have a wonderfully interesting paint scheme of that model. The Orel I-15 engine will fit nicely into that model. All I need is the patience to repaint the Halsinki version of the I-16.



The direction also come in English together with 3 pages of illustrations.



Phil

[dansls1]

Nice review.

I really need to pick up IL-2 Sturmovik one of these days...