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The new ICM series of I-16 kits are real gems apparently. They all feature good details, crisp molding, and nice engineering to provide a positive fit. Unfortunately, I have this kit instead. Azur produces short-run kits which have questionable fit and only basic details. However, back in the day, this was the only game in town if you wanted a 1/32 scale I-16.
I've enjoyed the Black and White technique for my last two builds and I was curious as to whether it would work for an aircraft. I also decided to build a damaged and abandoned I-16 which I'm sure will surprise no one.
I started with the cockpit and added some simple details. In hindsight, I shouldn't have wasted my time because none of it can be seen once the fuselage is closed up. During my research I found numerous pictures of I-16's with their wings removed. This would require lots of surgery and scratch building, definitely a potential headache given the poor fit of the Azur kit. So, obviously, I jumped right in.

Prior to closing up the fuselage, I gave it a coat of paint and some weathering. Nothing special. Most aircraft photographed by the Germans seemed to show some battle damage. I chose to give the tail some signs of distress. These are the exposed ribs prior to applying some simulated fabric covering. I think I would do this differently next time as it was a lot of work to retain the kit part. I should have just built the structure and attached that to the fuselage. I had a bit of a struggle to get a decent fit of the fuselage to the wing. There were gaps everywhere and it could well have been my inexperience with aircraft and/or limited-run kits. Anyway, it took me a long time to get something acceptable and I didn't take any pics of this part of the build. Finally, I gave it a coat of primer.

Now I could start to have some fun. I was interested to see how the Black and White technique would work on round surfaces. Obviously, on an AFV, there are plenty of flat surfaces to give contrast but the curved surface of an aircraft should be more challenging. First up I gave it some highlights and shadows using dark gray and light gray. I also wanted to introduce some Zenithal lighting so one side is darker than the other. The next round of paint adds highlights and deeper shadows to the more prominent areas. I also started to break up the monotony by giving random panels a different tone to add interest. Next up I gave the metal panels a darker colour while still maintaining highlights and shadows. The metal panels in the lighter areas have a different tone to the darker areas. During the fourth round of painting, I added pin washes to give depth and bring out the smaller details.

The fifth round adds chipping and a random mix of tones to suggest dirt and dust prior to the base coat. You should be able to see the differences on each surface. Also, as the base coat will dull down some of the effects I tried to make them stand out now. The next phase adds the Basecoat. This is added in very thin translucent coats until it looks the way I want it to. I start with random patterns, not a straight point and shoot coverage. Finally, I used masks for the insignia and the rudder markings. I haven't used masks before and I like the effect painted markings give. That's where I'm up to at the moment. I've been a bit distracted by life issues so when I get back to this model I'll be adding the chipping, dirt, grime and final details.
Thanks for looking.
Cheers,
Vincent

Very nice work Vincent

All the pre shading work has paid off.

Hopefully life will allow you back to the bench soon

Regards

Steve H

Very nice work Vincent, especially the paint and scratch building.

Shawn

Steve Hutchinson wrote: ↑23 May 2021, 08:16 Very nice work Vincent
All the pre shading work has paid off.
Hopefully life will allow you back to the bench soon
Regards
Steve H

Thanks Steve. I'm happy with the results of the shading. Now I just need some time to sit at the bench and this latest lockdown may give me the chance. to do that

Vincent

Shawn Ramsey wrote: ↑25 May 2021, 00:53 Very nice work Vincent, especially the paint and scratch building.

Shawn

Thanks Shawn, I'm glad you like it.

Vincent

Wow, that came unexpected! Brilliant as always Vincent, will you put it into a full scale diorama?

How are things going, I hope whatever bothered you has sorted itself out in the meantime?

Philipp

wowzers! That's some nice paint work. The multi panel effect with the various undercoat tones really paid off once the color coat is applied.