The Little World

The paint job on the Lavotchkin was simplicity itself – if you discount the fact that you spend a lot of masking tape doing it. Fortunately the bigger bits can be done with the cheap DIY store stuff instead of the thin hobby shop rolls. They do the details.

Now, remember I was nervous about Russian decals? Turns out there was no need to be. I did test the sheet out by using one of the other version markings and the heart I selected adhered and settled well, with no tendency to tear. I resisted the temptation to attach all of the stencils as I consider them a silly nuisance in this scale.

Note the detail of the engine cowling baffle. I think this must be to keep the engines warmer for Russian cold weather. The decision to leave off the upper red start to facilitate camouflage against the show is also wise, though I’m glad they retained them against that mid blue. That colour seems to crop up in a lot of Russian equipment – trains as well as aircraft.

In all, a good, economical introduction to the Zvezda brand. I’ll keep an eye out for other WW2 Soviet aircraft  by them and add them in suitable colours. I’ve seen some of the summer camouflage and the shades of green they use are interesting…if the modelers have gotten them right.