Zvezda 1/48 I-16 Type 5 (4832)

Today we are going to review Zvezda 1/48 I-16 Type 5 (4832). Kit comes as new-tooled set in the popular scale. Manufacturer claims a lot of features straight out of the box, so it is interesting to check everything in person. There are 225 parts which should assemble into a model with 12.5cm length. Sounds not that big for this scale, right? Well, let's open everything and check what is included in the box.

By the way, here you can read review with another 1/48 kit from the same brand.
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Watch this video where I show all parts even closer.

First frame carries two types of the top wing panels and cowling sections. Both look great and choice will depend on the marking option you pick for your build.

Surface details look great, and there are guiding elements which should help you with assembly. Landing gear wheels look fine, and I think resin is not necessary here.

Lower wing panel is molded on the next frame. Here you can also see rockets which can be used as assembly option.

I was surprised to find engine parts here as it is barely visible on the finished model. Landing gear parts also look great and can be assembled in two positions. Here Zvezda also place pilot figurine in seated position.

Engine is nicely detailed, and the only thing you can add is the wiring. Note that Zvezda offers a chance to open it with help of separate cowling panels.

Both fuselage halves are molded together with tail fin. There are also guiding pins inside which will help you get those parts together.

Cockpit walls are molded separately. Note also premolded features which look great for this scale.

Those parts will have to be inserted into special slots on fuselage halves. Such design will make positioning a bit quicker and easier.

Separate plastic bag carries several types of the wheel well top covers and canopy. Those look great, but there are no masks included into this kit.

Rear side of the box features pictures of the finished model.

Decals sheet is not that big, but carries all necessary symbols and some cockpit decals. Printing quality looks great, and there are 8 markings available in total.

Markings brochure comes in color, while assembly manual is black-and-white. You can check all pages in the video-review.

New kit is already available for purchase for attractive price of around 20EUR. For this amount you will get nicely detailed aircraft, which should look great even in standard project. Yes, there are some things for additional improvement, but even standard thing looks impressive. Several assembly options, nice details and all this for such price. You can also get the separate stand and depict this aircraft in flight position. In other words it looks like very attractive choice for modelers who would like to have this aircraft in their collection.

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