Polikarpov I-16 - a tribute to Skyraider3D

[Mangas]

Sshh-sshh-sshh! Be quiet! Let's see what we have here... It's Polikarpov I-16... And it's still a very WIP...
This one particular is gonna be type 10, but I plan to do other types of the family as well, as far as I have time and reference materials...
In some sense, this plane has been following me (in that way or another) since I was a child, so making it properly is kind of some personal challenge for me.
But I never knew it would be so hard to find the right reference for some details, in spite of the fact that we have a Web full of detailed pictures of these birds restored by New-Zealanders. Or, perhaps, I must admit I'm still a newbie and I have to have an exact picture of some detail in the exact desired position to paint it properly. So, I'm sorry to say, I spend like 30% working and like 65-70% of the time gathering the materials.
But, the longest journey starts with a single step... So, I've been making some details here and there, and, though it's like 30-40% finished only, the general idea is like this:



During the work some problems arise. Right now, for example, I can't find the good detailed pictures of the wheel wells (I'm not sure I use the correct English words, I mean the empty areas in the lower fuselage & wings after the main gears are in down position) to paint them properly. So I'd appreciate any help with the materials if anyone have some...

P.S.: This work I dedicate to Ronnie Olsthoorn (aka "Skyraider3D"). Actually, it was his awesome 3D model that inspired me to start this project.
He just showed me what can be done with this type of plane, and I SAW, so I'm following the lighted path...




Sincere regards,
Mangas.

[GiantFlyingRobots]

The I-16 is a great looker and has been on my list for a long time. Yours looks fantastic thus far, I especically like the detail of the wooden grain on the wooden monocoque of the fuselage, nice ad subtle. I'm just curious as to why you've placed it inside a light bulb?

And "wheel wells" is the correct term as far as I'm aware.

[Mangas]

Yours looks fantastic thus far...

Thanks, James.

I'm just curious as to why you've placed it inside a light bulb?.

That's a Doorknob's keyhole actually.

Alice: [looking through the Doorknob's keyhole] There he is! I simply must get through.
Doorknob: Sorry. You're much too big. Simply impassable.
Alice: You mean "impossible".
Doorknob: No, impassable. Nothing's impossible.

.

[inkworm]

So, I'm sorry to say, I spend like 30% working and like 65-70% of the time gathering the materials

That sounds like a reasonable amount of time.

Looking good so far

[Mangas]

Moving slowly forward, camo applied:




The biggest concern is to find good reference to make proper underwings details...

[BLOWHARD]

REALLY NICE!

[arthur1966]

Very nice. Molodec!

[santynus]

Great work

[Skyraider3D]

Sorry I missed this post! It's looking very nice Anton! Great work!
The 3D I-16 I made is one of my lost children... 95% completed and forgotten. I should pick it up one day, there just doesn't seem to be much interest in it (from a commissions point of view).