1/72 Nakotne Polikarpov I-3

 by Oliver Weston

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Hello everyone!

Something a bit different for your delectation.  A Polikarpov I-3 bi-plane fighter, don't know to much about the history of this aircraft. Suffice to say it was operated by the USSR in the late 20's early 30's as a front line fighter. Originally engined with a BMW motor, with latter production models having the Soviet M-17 unit (of which this is an example) giving a useful 730hp and a top speed of 176 m.p.h.  Armament consisted of a pair of synchronised 7.62mm Vickers machine guns firing through the prop, with latter variants having Soviet PV-1 gun's installed.  Approx 500 airframes were constructed during its life, some equipped with ski's for winter operations.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

Picked this little kit up off Ebay for a couple of Quid, what a little gem! Its from a manufacturer named Nakotne, and the kit is made in Latvia.  I've never heard of them but I would certainly purchase another, as the moulding was quite crisp and the fit was rather good!  Only real grip, very poor decals so I used some I had from several other kit's and the instructions were a bit basic.  I made one big mistake during the construction which I will let the reader look for (only noticed when I had finished the kit DOH)! Very enjoyable little model this one, recommended!

Regards

Oliver

Photos and text © by Oliver Weston