The Little World

Fix it again, Tang…

The ICM model of the Polikarpov I-16 is done, and not quite ready to fly. Aircraftsman Tang is due on the scene shortly to bolt the engine covers back on. Until then, they are up out of the mud, resting on the wings,

We must praise A/C Tang for his efforts – the plane looks splendid. It sags a little to starboard, but that is the effect of hard service on rough fields. Spare parts are not arriving from Moscow any time soon. Tang does his best and bolts it as tight as he can, but there will be a day coming when it is either going to be flying with the wheels locked open and lashed together with bamboo or attached to a pair of floats for the Navy.

The ICM kit was as good as last time, but the complex nature of the exhaust system means that if another is built the pipes will have to be attached before the engine is pushed back to its cradle.

I’ve no idea where the tail stripes came from, but they are a commercial decal and splendid for it.

Many thanks to the Dollar Guy for coming into the club on a Tuesday and selling me this one. I got value!