Lee's Eduard 1/48 Lavochkin La-7 (ProfiPACK)

[Lee]

I'm probably going to build two models for this GB but, this is my first choice. It has a paint scheme I've never done before and I do like the pure frugality of the Russian WWII birds. The profi-pack comes with a small amount of PE, paint masks and several paint schemes. This is an old Eduard kit so, might hit a few bumps along the way.


I did a video review of this kit awhile ago.....

[youtube]u8ymSlFYYo8[/youtube]



A few facts on the Lavochkin La-7 for you.....

The Lavochkin La-7 (Russian: Лавочкин Ла-7) was a piston-engined Soviet fighter developed during World War II by the Lavochkin Design Bureau (OKB). It was a development and refinement of the Lavochkin La-5, and the last in a family of aircraft that had begun with the LaGG-1 in 1938. Its first flight was in early 1944 and it entered service with the Soviet Air Forces later in the year. A small batch of La-7s was given to the Czechoslovak Air Force the following year, but it was otherwise not exported. Armed with two or three 20 mm (0.79 in) cannon, it had a top speed of 661 kilometers per hour (411 mph). The La-7 was felt by its pilots to be at least the equal of any German piston-engined fighter and even shot down a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter. It was phased out in 1947 by the Soviets, but lasted until 1950 with the Czechoslovak Air Force.

For more information on the La-7 Click HERE



Box & Sprue shots...











Going for one of these schemes, not sure which one yet...






Reference material...



Here we go......

[gosselin2112]

Nice to see that the Russians will be represented in this GB

Russ

[Paul]

That's gonna be nice lee, paintwork should look cool

[UKscalemodeller]

Ahh Soviet stuff to warm my heart.

[HamilkarBarkas]

This is my favourite Soviet aircraft, great to see it as an upcoming building review in this GB

[schweinhund227]

Nice Bird ! love the Paint Scheme !

Looking forward to your build !

[Lee]

Well, after extensive research today, every real life picture of the La-7 shows it in good condition, hardly any rough weathering at all! This really surprises me knowing what the Soviets were like during WWII. I truly can't find one picture that shows any kind of tough wear and tear.

So, I'm going to do some small chipping here and there in key places on the aircraft and minimal dirt weathering......

[bullgill67]

best of luck with your build

michael

[PhildaFish]

This should be very interesting as it's not a 'plane you often see built.

[Coen]

I've seen a couple of builds started with Eduard Profi-packs now, I'm really curious as to how they turn out.
Good Luck

[Lee]

Took a break form the FR.47 today as it is doing my head in and started on this baby.....

Just getting the etch sorted in the cockpit is going to take awhile......







More on Friday hopefully....

[Paul]

How you finding those PE scissors lee?

Where did you get your little PE plastic tool holder press thingy

[Lee]

How you finding those PE scissors lee?

Where did you get your little PE plastic tool holder press thingy

lol - It came with the Hold & Fold 5 speed mate - As for the scissors, they're good but prefer the holdy thingy

[Bagpiper]

Nice to see that the Russians will be represented in this GB

Russ

I was thing the same thing. I'm doing a Russian tank myself. We seem to have a nice cross section of models underway.

Looking forward to seeing your progress mate.

Cheers
Jim

[chief5437]

More!!

[Coen]

MORE MORE!!!!

[Lee]

So, I was hunting around for something to build while the primer dries on the Victor and Apollo rocket when, hunting through my stash, I found this Lavochkin. I ideally don't want to start a new build because of the GB & SiGs starting in January, when I opened the box on this I remembered I started it over a 2 and a half years ago (look at the dates of the thread!) and thought I will have another bash. No idea why I'd stopped mid way through, but ready to have a go at it now

This is where it is as of now (photo). The cockpit is mostly done apart from a little more PE. Hopefully I'll get it zipped up tonight

[MarkVerploeg]

You are getting busy lately
But i am curious to see what you will do with this kit
I am starting a little profi pack collection so it is good to.see how they can turn out , if you have some plane building experience (i don't have that much)
Good luck with building and have fun finishing this bird

[Lee]

Loads of PE done on the hang out tonight. Bloody PE...!!








Just got to paint all the PE then I can zip it up...

[Lee]

Oldschool....




Gonna be a bit of a filler queen methinks!





Ye gads! Look at those gaps!






Until next time

[Lee]

OK, so before I attack the gaps on the fuselage I've got to finish off the cockpit.

There was the smallest part of the fuselage able to stick to the instrument panel, which would have meant it would've fallen off if I stuck in on its own. So, once the firewall was in I cut a prop holder in half and attached that to the firewall to act as a backing for the instrument panel.



Then stuck the instrument panel...



y voila, perfecto!



Seat and rear panels in...




Now to attack that fuselage with.... MUCHO CLAMPAGE....!!!




Going to let that set for a couple of hours before I take the clamps off

[Goose]

Ooooh gosh, i have it in the stash, i bought it thinking ok a little kit just to relax....aheeeemmmm

[Lee]

OK, I'm calling it - Filler Queen.....!!!

This thing has more gaps than Waterloo Station! Nothing fits properly with out a good old struggle. It's been a challenge just to get this far with it. To be honest, I'm not going to be happy with the end result, but will persevere any way




Time to start masking...

Ooooh gosh, i have it in the stash, i bought it thinking ok a little kit just to relax....aheeeemmmm

Not a satisfying or relaxing...lol

[jbellos1]

Looking fantastic Lee!

Glad to see you're getting more time - again - for your hobby. I like this type a lot...looks like a mean fighter.

Awesome dude!

[Lee]

Cheers Jon


All primed and ready for paint now. This kit has fought me all the way so far. Fingers crossed I get the camo pattern right

[Avgas]

Got to admire your determination!