Polikarpov i-16 V1 (test release)

This is the first test release of this model, no electronics cutouts or placements yet including hinges and control horns (you are on your own if you try to make this v1 fly). In the V1 I just want to capture the shape in a somewhat scale able way. This model will scale down to 60% on the printer. The i-16 is the fourth model in my stick and paper conversion collection, a relatively unique ww2 russian aircraft, it is a very stubby looking but tough printed plane. without adding any electronics in, the first test print balanced perfectly on the targeted point just in front of the cockpit. I was trying a few new strategies with this build that seemed to really pay off. This wing is now a hybrid between a plastic plane and a traditionally built tissue aircraft. The lower skin of the wing is made from a thin layer of plastic printed in place, along with a wing retainer that acts as a skid plate, this will prevent the easier punctures that may happen on a standard tissue or monokote covered plane and it didn't cost too much in weight. I would suggest test printing this model at 60% scale using the standard pla profile in cura.

This version of the model will be downloadable for free during the testing phase of this build only. I am currently working on the V2 version which will cover all the things needed to print as R/C ready and then these will be moved onto cults with the rest of my airplanes.

Update:4/12/22: Testing phase for the V1 is almost over, very happy with this little 60% plane..., MODELS WILL BE REMOVED on 4/15/2022. After that, this V1 will be available for 2$ on cults3d.com, so if you are interested in them but haven't downloaded yet, you better get on it, 3 day notice. :) The V2 is almost ready design wise and will be available for 5$, for this You will get access to both the scale ready V1 model and the electronics prepped V2 version, with all the current updates plus future add-ons.

The first full sized test prints of the v2 have started up, will take me a couple days to complete. Looks like the longest part for me "the middle wing" takes 8-9 hours with 2 bottom and top layers with only 1 wall. walls are your weight when you build these frames, as I have learned from the first 3 planes. 2 walls can add almost double the weight on some pieces. On the full scale models I usually use only 10% gyroid infill through the whole model except for the motor mount. another good tip I think... to might make the supports flick out easy. set brim line count to "3", set bottom of support to print as brim, and add ".5" to your "brim distance" this will red up the text box but it will print like that with the glorious effect... having all the supports linked and steady but not actually attached to the part. I use this trick so much now... lol. I hope you enjoy this project and the others. I'm thinking I'll probably add atleast one more to the collection with the criteria only being that its a prop driven relatively unique looking German plane. Haven't decided yet...but... Maybe a Stuka?

4/15/2022: Models have been Removed today. Any feedback or makes you feel like sharing from this test release would be greatly appreciated. The link to where these files have been moved is down below.

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/polikarpov-i-16-v1-test-release