Stunning Polikarpov I-16 (Soviet 1930’s) In 1/32 'Hyperscale'
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 06:56PM 
(3 pix)
No trickery on this post, I’m telling you right up front that this Polikarpov I-16 is a model… and unlike the privately owned F-16, this one doesn't even fly. But OMGosh is it ever an amazing piece of work! Do you see that engine detail in the pic above? That engine is less than 2 inches in diameter, and the entire wingspan is only about 11 inches!
It’s 'hyperscale' modeling as done by Aleksandar Sekularac, who seems to have an incredible eye for completely convincing weathering techniques as wells as relentless patience in dealing with so many small, detailed parts. The basis for the model is a plastic Azur Models Polikarpov I-16 kit in 1/32 scale. From there, Aleksandar has added an aftermarket enhancement kit for the engine, and then did wild detailing from scratch on the cockpit. He’s also made several other ‘hyperscale’ modifications to the kit, and then, he built the skis from scratch to make this model really stand out as it represents a Soviet Military version for winter operations.
Aleksandar’s work is truly ‘hyperscale’ as can be seen when looking in the cockpit. Everything you see looks the right ‘scale’... not just accurate in placement and color etc., but properly downsized so that you never see something that screams “this is a model”. I really hope you take a few minutes to soak up the accomplishment of this model by checking out Aleksandar’s detailed Polikarpov I-16 post at Internet Modeler. I think it’s beyond fantastic!
All photos from Internet Modeler
Reader Comments (1)
Stunning, absolutely stunning! The engine and cowling detail is amazing!