Hi , and happy new year to all of you!
loocking at this pic, I don't see a red star i, the fuselage but a strange symbol, who could be a propeller blade...
what do you think about please?
Xan
Hi xan! Happy New Year to you, too! Personally, I think it's just a damaged area, possibly caused by a souvenir-hunter trying to peel the surface layer off to get the red star as a war trophy. even though I can't see any sign of the remains of the star. Or maybe it's a continuation of the damage caused by the large hole right below that area.
Something unrelated which I find interesting is the details visible on the left landing gear wheel - it has a pattern of 8 holes which I've never noticed on an I-16 before. Maybe there's a cover plate missing - I see a hole in the centre where the wheel bearing would be, which should be covered somehow to keep dirt from damaging the bearing.
John