Trying out to paint the little things first, using Tamiya X-10 Gun Metal and trying to add a little chipping with AK 11210 Natural Steel. (spoiler: the engine is hardly visible anyway)
I modified the Control Stick that came from the box which is completely wrong. I changed it by cutting out the stick handle (previously it's a bicycle handle-like control stick) and try to put it together by making it more circular.
I also didn't use the control panel decal provided by the kit as I found it not fitting with the control panel base, so I simply painted the raised panel in white.
Applied some putty mixed with leveling thinner. There are fitting issues and big gap around the intersection between the engine and the front wing root, though it has to be expected with this kit and its price.
Painting the whole underside with Mr.Color 323 Light Blue. Along the way I realized that I the blue Is a little to dark for my taste later on, but I don't mind much as this is the first time of me trying out my new cheap airbrush.
Painted the cowling line with AK11210 Natural Steel (I don't realize that Academy actually provides the decal for it at the time) and the cannon with Tamiya X-10 Gun Metal.
Applying decals with Mr.Mark Setter and Mr.Mark Softer. They worked absolutely fine. compared to my previous model making experience in decal setting, I feel thoroughly satisfied.
It seems there are thicker part of paint, maybe I the paint I used wasn't thinned enough (?) or It was caused by my masking tape. Either way I'm still learning out.
My second attempt with white spirit. I think I got the hang of it! I used 502 Abteilung ABT005 Smoke for panel line weathering. I thought it fits well at first, since it's my first time trying it out.
By this phase I feel that I should have gone with a lighter colour for the panel line weathering on the surface. The smoke colour felt a little too strong but I still feel it looks great enough to give out the rugged look of the plane rather than toy-like or too clean.
On side note, I got another lesson learned that the importance of using white spirit with great care, since I found that it's quite reactive with the decals.
Overall, I think it's nice kit as a test bed and learning out. The size is quite small (and cute as some would say) for an 1/48 kit that is relatively easy to build. But it must be noted that this is and old kit with a rather limited details, accuracy, and a mix of recessed and raised panel lines to take into account. But It looks like an I-16 alright. It's actually very easy to build it quickly but since there's not much free time on my hand, This project went for roughly a month. A very nice subject to build.
Originally designed for Polikarpov I-16 Type 24 from Academy, I personally changed it into Type 28 OOB. Overall, the kit works fine for test bed or for learning out for techniques, especially for beginners such as myself. I got it fairly cheap in my country for an 1/48 scale for roughly 14 USD despite model making (except gundam) is a really niche hobby in my Country.
A nice subject for a well-known early WW2 plane. Small sized plane with a rather easy assembly. Despite minimal detail in the cockpit and some incorrect details, overall it still resembles an I-16. Definitely satisfied with the end result despite many 'dramas' and challenges, especially for beginner.
I think it's quite recommended for its price if you just want a simple kit. If there's a chance, I would love to try the Eduard kit ones for a reasonable price in my country.
