1:48 Polikarpov I-153 - Stalin's Falcons on I-153

The real subject

The Polikarpov I-153 was a Soviet fighter biplane from the second half of the 1930s and the last stage of a line that had started with the I-15. It differed from its predecessors in its retractable landing gear, an unusual thing on a biplane, and in its cranked upper wing, which gave it the nickname Chaika, meaning seagull. It was powered by a radial engine. At the time it appeared it was agile and climbed well, but against all-metal monoplanes it was already losing out on speed. Even so it served in the front line, and in the first months of the war on the Eastern Front it also flew as a ground-attack aircraft.

What the set contains

A printed decal sheet in 1:48 scale with national insignia and the markings of Soviet Air Force machines. How many variants are on the sheet and which kit the set is drawn for first of all is given in the manufacturer's instructions. The name of the set points to the period term for Soviet military airmen, which can be translated as Stalin's Falcons.

How the decals are applied

Cut the subject out of the sheet together with its backing paper and soak it in lukewarm water for a few seconds. As soon as the film starts to slide on the paper, lay it in place and pull the paper out from under it. The decals belong on smooth gloss varnish; on a matte surface air is trapped under the film and the edges turn white. A decal softener helps them settle, and once dry go over the area with a coat of varnish in the sheen you want.

Terms of supply

The model, the paints and the glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.