1/72 Turkish Polikarpov R-5

by Fuat Ertuzun

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  Turkey Republic Day 2005

 

This an old kit from “APEX” was built in Turkish Air Force markings. This kit was a gift from Mehmet Sekercioglu owner of PM models. The original planes (3 of them) were donated by the Soviet Union on the celebration of the 10th year of the Turkish Republic (29 October 1933) and used for training and maneuvre purpose. They were called “Erpet” because of the Russian pronounciation of R-5. The original photo is shown below.

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The plastic surface and details were excellent. I had to reshape the nose cowling using some putty and doing some sculpture work!  Details were added to the cockpit and a scratch built instrument panel built.  Original Russian enamel colors from Model Master  were used for painting since there were no colour change on the plane after they were brought to Turkey. The national insignia were painted by masking except the crescent and star on the rudder. For rigging 0,1 mm steel wire cut to exact length was used. I could find that wire from Sopwith Hobbies in Florida, but unfortunately its not available any more.

This is my first article in ARC and I like building biplanes very much. Now I've started building a series of Turkish biplanes and vintage planes from WWI, independence war and after. 

Fuat

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Photos and text © by Fuat Ertuzun