(1) I hadn't noticed this before, but the decal placement instructions (and the colour artwork from the underside of the box) show all the aircraft as having the cowling exhaust flaps in the same natural metal finish as the exhaust shields on the sides of the fuselage behind the cowling. I've never seen this in photos or profiles, and I think it's incorrect...
(2) A couple of the options are described as "La-5F", and the F-version engine identification marking on the cowling is provided. This is interesting - I had always just assumed the La-5F had the cut-down rear fuselage and all-around vision ("bubble") canopy as a standard part of its specification, but it does make good sense that the -F engine could have been introduced in late La-5 (full-depth, or "razorback") fuselages. Live and learn!
I believe you are correct on that,it is probably an error in artwork.
it seems to me that the movable flap was painted and the fixed backing plate was not painted.
as for your second point....HMMM
I know there is some confusion as to whether the FN engine might have been put into the aircraft before the long single-piece intake scoop was added.
the same thing might have happened with the F and the razorback and bubble-top.
p.s. here's my 100th post for this forum
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