Intended as a replacement for the successful  I-153 biplane fighter,  the I-190 first appeared in 1939. It was an extremely clean single seat biplane fighter, powered by a 100 hp. M-88 radial engine, and equipped with a retractable landing gear.  However, when  it became apparent that the biplane was outdated, and that monoplanes, with their higher speeds and greater aerodynamic efficiency,  were superior, the project was abandoned.  

The prototype airplane was tested with different engines and propellers, but  the prototype crashed on 30 February 1941, and it was not rebuilt. A second prototype with a pressurized cockpit and turbosupercharger was not completed. One is led to wonder how it would have done against its contemporaries, including the Gladiator, Fiat CR.42, Heinkel HE-51, and Grumman F3F-2.  It probably would have done very well had the monoplane not been invented.

This is a typical short-run kit, with the usual good molding with excellent surface detail, but heavy sprue attachment points which require careful trimming.  There is, however, quite a bit of flash that has to be trimmed, but this is to be expected from short run kits. I suspect that this is an epoxy mold kit. The cockpit interior is quite complete, and includes a floor, seat, rudder pedals, control stick, and instrument panel.  The three bladed  propeller includes two different spinners, representing different stages of the prototype’s testing. 

Two different cowlings are provided for the early and late versions, and the landing gear can be fitted with either wheels or skis. The fuselage halves go together easily, and a center section serves as a mount for the upper wings in a single piece unit.  Therefore, it is almost impossible to get the wings attached incorrectly. The single  interplane struts merely snap into place. The landing gear looks a little spindly, but it conforms to photos of the airplane, and goes together to make a solid support for the airplane.

 Only a little filler is required after assembly, and the result is a small, highly detailed scale replica of a very unusual but attractive little biplane.  A coat of light grey is the only paint required, other than details, such as the cockpit interior, prop, and landing gear.  The decals went on effortlessly, and the results were impressive. Rigging was very simple, and although there is no rigging diagram in the instructions, the box art shows exactly where the three wires on each wing go.

 This little kit is a sleeper.  Although some reviewers have given negative reviews to A-Model kits, this one is a nice little model, and anyone with average modeling skills should have no problems with this little gem.  Don’t miss out on this one.

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