A little tender loving care to resurrect an old bird. Adding some easy scratch build to an otherwise bland kit.

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Thanks!

Nice work, HG!
Stubby and ugly, I-16 is a sight to behold. I love them!
I take in challenging builds too, but I always prefer a "trouble free" kit over a "kinky" one, if price is affordable. For my next I-16 I bought Eduard's Weekend Edition. I still feel a little sorry I didn't buy the Profipack because the photo-etch fret has some nice detail in the engine area which I have now to scratch build (retractable air intake blades). I should have researched a little better before buying.
Back to your build: I liked the color scheme and the overall finished look, as well as decal job.
Note on primer(s): on my experience, acrylic primers (I didn't try them all but I work extensively with Vallejo and AK) are not easy to sand. I tend to use them on interiors because they have a very nice satin surface, making the following brush painting a pleasure. For exteriors or places where I know will require sanding I use enamel (oil based) primers. For years I have used Model Master medium grey flat mixed with gloss white or gloss black, depending on the needed shade. I never went wrong, with a singular exception - a Revell kit molded in Poland (!?). I tried also Model Master dedicated grey primer, but I was disappointed with the drying speed, and I'm returning to my trusted formula.
Congratulations on your first contribution to Aeroscale / Kit Maker and I wish you many more. Personally I enjoyed your story telling.
Cheers!
Gabriel

Thank you for the advice and encouragement.