1/48 I‑16 Type 5 (Zvezda) Photo‑Etched Detailing Set (Microdesign MD048059)

What Is It?

Give your Polikarpov I‑16 Type 5 the cockpit finesse and surface finesse it deserves with this comprehensive Photo-etched brass detailing set. Engineered for the Zvezda 1/48 kit, the set supplies two photo‑etch plates packed with pre‑coloured instrument panel & seat‑belt straps, cockpit door framing, rudder‑pedal stirrups, ignition harness rings, cowl flap petals, landing‑gear scissors, brake‑line clamps and tail‑plane actuator levers and many other intricate parts essential to giving your scale model a realistic authentic look. Etched from resilient 0.15mm brass, every rivet line and perforation appears at proper scale thickness—turning the “Rata” into a contest‑ready showpiece straight from the box. This kit ensures authenticity and precision. The components are lightweight yet sturdy, allowing for easy handling during assembly. By using this kit, you can transform your I-16 type 5 model into a MASTERPIECE with museum-quality detail. The brass material provides durability while maintaining a fine, realistic appearance, making it an essential addition for any model enthusiast.

Who Is It Intended For?

• Intermediate aircraft modelers aiming for cockpit realism
• Spanish‑Civil‑War & early‑WWII enthusiasts perfecting the iconic fighter
• Diorama builders displaying maintenance or startup scenes
• Collectors desiring a museum‑quality I‑16

Benefits

1. Cockpit Depth: Coloured panel & belts enliven the open canopy
2. Engine Detail: Ignition and cowl flaps add radial realism
3. True‐Scale Finesse: 0.15mm brass equals ~7 mm alloy on the real airframe
4. Medium Challenge: 60 parts—engaging yet manageable

Product Details

Kit Composition

• Coloured fret – multi‑layer instrument panel, seat‑belt harness, placards
• Standard fret – cowl flaps, gear & cockpit hardware, surface details
• Full‑colour instruction manual – clear fold lines & paint references

Applications

• Spanish Civil War dioramas with open engine‑cowl Ratas
• Khalkhin‑Gol airstrip scenes showing mechanics adjusting cowl flaps
• Early Barbarossa dogfight displays where cockpit detail is visible through open doors

Historical Background

First flown in 1933, the Polikarpov I‑16 was the world’s first mass‑produced monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear. The Type 5 variant introduced a more powerful M‑25A radial and new cowl flaps, dominating skies in Spain and Mongolia before facing Bf 109s in 1941. Despite its stubby appearance, the I‑16’s agility earned it the nickname “Ishak” (Donkey) among Soviet pilots. Microdesign’s set replicates the fighter’s spartan yet functional cockpit and signature cowl hardware, letting you depict this revolutionary aircraft at the peak of its service.

How to Use

Follow these steps to enhance your model:

1. Carefully remove the photo-etched components using precision tools.
2. Clean the attachment points on your model for a smooth fit.
3. Bend and shape components using tweezers or a photo-etch bending tool.
4. Secure parts with cyanoacrylate glue for a durable hold.
5. Paint and weather the model to match historical accuracy.
6. Follow the instruction manual for detailed guidance on part placement and assembly.

Why Choose Imodeller’s MD048059?

• Coloured Precision: pre‑printed panel & belts mean no micro‑painting
• Comprehensive Upgrade: cockpit, engine & gear in one set
• True‑Scale Metal: brass matches thin aluminium parts of real I‑16
• Historic Accuracy: ideal for pre‑WWII & early‑war Soviet collections

Upgrade Your I‑16 Model Now!

Give your “Rata” fighter authentic brass detail—order now and bring your scale model to life today!

Shipping Information

Item Location: USA

Fast Shipping: Item ships immediately after payment.