1:72 I-16 tupe 29

The real subject

The Polikarpov I-16 was a Soviet single-seat fighter of the 1930s and one of the first production cantilever low-wing monoplanes with retractable landing gear. You will recognize it at first glance by its short, barrel-like fuselage, which gave the machine its typical silhouette. Type 29 belongs to the late production versions, with which the aircraft still served in the first years of the war.

What the sheet offers

This is a sheet of decals in 1:72 scale intended for a model of the I-16 type 29. The number of marking options and the particular machines they are for are not stated here. It also pays to check which kit the sheet is made for: the outlines of markings on decals tend to be drawn to the shapes of one particular model.

How the decals are applied

The usual method is the wet one. Give the area under the decal a coat of gloss varnish, trim the motif, immerse it in lukewarm water for a few seconds and let it rest until it can be slid on the backing. Then slide it onto the model, position it and blot the surplus water away. A decal softener will help the decal bed down into the engraving; once it has dried, varnish the whole thing according to the finish the model is to have.

Before you soak the sheet

Check in the enclosed instructions whether it is an adhesive type. An adhesive film that has been soaked is ruined beyond saving, whereas a waterslide decal can be soaked later as well, so the risk runs one way only.

Terms of supply

The package holds a decal sheet. The model, paints, varnish and decal softener are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.