1/72 ICM Polikarpov I-1 (Il-400b)

by Mark Davies

--------------------

 

The Polikarpov I-1 (later Il-400B) was the first Soviet-designed fighter.  It first flew in 1923, and a further 12 were built between 1926 & ’27. I like planes from the 20’s and 30’s and this one had the extra appeal of corrugated wings.

This was the first ICM kit I had built.  Initially I thought that the kit was bit over-engineered with 10 pieces to build the wings (actually 11 if I count the spar!), plus a further seven parts to make the fuselage (and that’s excluding the interior details). 

Despite this, everything fell together very well indeed and I had it built in two days.  I think the only extra detailing I added was the ground maneuvering handles on the rear fuselage, wingtip bump-guards and pitot, all of which the instructions directed needed to be scratch-built.    

Paint finish was mainly Humbrol Metalcote Aluminum and a bit of Testors Metalizer. The two kit decals went on just fine. All in all, this was a very enjoyable shake and bake kit.  I wish I had the same confidence about the other ICM kits I have to build (Tu-2, TB3, an Su-2), but they look like the “over-engineering really will pose some problems.

Mark

Click on images below to see larger images

Photos and text © by Mark Davies