Amodel 1/72 Polikarpov I-190 Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | March 2005 | Manufacturer | Amodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Polikarpov I-190 | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 72112 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Interesting little kit | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $13.98 |
First Look
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During the early 1930s, noted aviation designers Pavel Sukhoi, Artem Mikoyan, Andrej Tupolev and Nikolaj Polikarpov were sitting in a Black Sea dacha, relaxing over some Vodka, when the inevitable dares were exchanged. When it was Polikarpov's turn, his friends dared him to make a 55 gallon drum fly. And so began the I-15/I-152/I-190/I-16 fighter series. Okay, so this isn't how this famous fighter series started, but the one characteristic common to the aircraft series is a big radial engine mounted to a short round fuselage!
In actuality, the I-190 did have its roots with the I-15 biplane fighter. The I-153 was an improved verion of the I-15 that retained the upper gull wing and incorporated other improvements/changes in structural strength, armament, and engine. The I-190 was the last hope at gaining more performance out of the biplane fighter by adding retractable landing gear.
Amodel has released the advanced fighter biplane of the Polikarpov OKB that was designated I-190. This kit represents the gull-winged upper wing, rearward retractable landing gear, and your choice of I-153 (early) or I-190 (late) engines and cowlings.
Molded in white styrene, the kit is a typical limited production model that will require a little clean-up and dry-fitting of parts, but nothing that would cause any difficulties for a good modeler. The kit features a nice cockpit that will be a challenge to see when assembled, though you may opt to surgically remove and open the Spitfire-styled shoulder entry door.
You're given a choice of early or late styled cowlings, wheels or skis on the main landing gear, bombs on the underwing bomb racks, and your choice of a winter or a winter paint scheme.
Markings are provided for a generic I-190 with no side numbers or distinctive markings, which was typical of the pre-war aircraft.
If you are tired of yet another Bf 109 on the contest table, this aircraft with bombs and skis will help to get some attention. This kit is recommended!
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!