discussion Leningrad Rat

[PJP]

I will be building a Polikarpov I16 Rata (Rat) from Leningrad, 1941/42.

This was the principal fighter aircraft of the Red Airforce in the first 18 months or so of the Great Patriotic War, having first flown in 1934 and was used in the Spanish Civil War.

Although outclassed by the main opposition, the Me 109, it gave a good account of itself until replaced by more modern aircraft.

This one was based in Leningrad and the kit offers the choice of ski or wheeled undercarriage.

I'll be building it with wheels but have yet to decide on which markings to use. As time goes on, I may develope it into some form of diorama, having bought in some figures, so the title may change if the opportunity presents. I may also include another aircraft with an element of surpirise, just for variety.

As the pictures show, it's a small aircraft and a simple (like me) with not a lot of parts. There's PE seatbelts and resin exhaust stacks but otherwise, it seems well moulded with nice panel lines and little flash to be seen.

Does seem expensive though for what you get. I suppose that's down to the numbers made/sold though.

Enough!

I'll see what it comes up like when I've given it all a wash and start the build.

Peter

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[tr1ckey66]

Peter

I love the look of this aircraft! if you had to put a picture to the Russian military in WW2 then I don't think you do much better than show this aircraft. Great chice of subject Peter I'm really looking forward to this kit being built I'm sure it will be worth the expense.

Best of luck with the build

Paul

 

[Guest]

That is one interesting looking aircraft Peter. I must admit I have never really looked at Russian aircraft of this period but this is making me want to. Look forward to seeing your progress.

 

[PJP]

View attachment 19453View attachment 19454View attachment 19455View attachment 19456View attachment 19457A bit more done on the Rat.

It has very few parts and with a little more time available to me, would have been a very quick build.

I have experienced the usual problem with a one piece central lower wing section, in that the wing joins will meet at the top or at the bottom only. Filling and filing, oh joygasm!!

Anyway, pictures of progress to date.

I must just say that the aircraft is very small and compared to other 1/32nd builds, is no more than 2/3rds of the size at best. Must have been a sod to see in battle!

Peter

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[tr1ckey66]

Hi Pedro/Peter!

Just counted the squares on the cutting mat - 17cm fuselage, that is small for 1/32!

I love this aircraft though, it really has that Russian quirkyness.

Build looks to be coming along great and the wing roots look cool.

Keep up the great work

Paul

 

[yak face]

Great choice peter!! The rata is one of my faves too ,if you think it looks small in 1/32 you should see it in 1/72!! Looking forward to seeing the end result,, COME ON THE RUSSIANS!!!! cheers tony

 

[Ian M]

Thats not an airplane thats a motor with wings!

Interesting subject of which I know nada so I lookforwards to seeing the end result.

Ian M