1/72 Heller Polikarpov I-153 "Chaika"

by Oliver Weston

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Hailed as the pinnacle of bi-plane fighter development the little Polikarpov was doomed to obsolescence even before it entered service. The recent war in Spain was vindication by some Soviet observers as to the bi-planes future potential. As a result of this Nikolai Polikarpov was approached and directed to design a more potent version of his I-15bis. The basic layout was retained although the airframe was refined and strengthened. And this was married to a staggered single bay bi-plane wing with the upper portion being gulled into the fuselage (hence the name "Chaika" or Gull). The early aircraft also kept the AV-1 prop and M-25V engine from the I-15bis although latter aircraft had the more powerful M-62 supercharged engine (1000hp). For a bi-plane the little Chaika bristled with innovative features such as retractable landing gear, wings plumbed for external tanks, rocket racks, 20mm cannons and retractable ski's for cold weather use. There was even a high altitude experimental fighter called I-153TKGK with a pressure cabin and twin TK-3 turbochargers! Although it did see action in its intended role the Chaika suffered heavy loses at the hands of more modern monoplane fighters, and was eventually turned over to ground attack units and remained there in front line service until late 1943. The little Soviet fighter was also operated by Finland and China although in very small numbers.

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This is the Heller version, an old kit by the looks of things (bought off Ebay). Went together nice, with good mouldings and very little in the way of "making bits fit" as it were. The only grip I have is that the transfers are a wee bit basic and there is a lovely little cockpit in there with flight controls and instrument panel. To which I even painted little faces on the dials but when I assembled it, you can't actually see any of it (which would have been nice)! The only modifications I made were drilling the exhaust stub for a bit of extra realism, and the addition of a scratch build windscreen made from a Mig 15 canopy. Due to my two year old son wandering off with the original part which never returned!

The main reason though for posting it to the ARC, is this is the first model I have ever strung. The instructions did have a little section devoted to it, and at first I wasn't going to bother. But in for a penny, I had a go and I don't think it worked out to bad? Considering the wife's sewing box is now short of a reel of black cotton, which was used as a spur of the moment fix. Hope you enjoyed looking as much as I enjoyed building it.

See you soon

Oliver 

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Photos and text © by Oliver Weston