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Print Page - May 2008 Internet Modeler

Sovietwarplanes

Modeling Soviet Warplanes => General Modeling => Topic started by: John Thompson on May 03, 2008, 11:39:33 PM



Title: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: John Thompson on May 03, 2008, 11:39:33 PM
Another excellent issue for VVS GPW enthusiasts - maybe we're finally getting the attention the subject has deserved for so long!

Ilya Grinberg's excellent review of the new 1/72 AML La-5 and La-5F kits:
http://www.internetmodeler.com/2008/may/first-looks/aml_la5.php

I did a bit of price comparing; for those wishing to order these rather expensive kits, the best price I've found so far is at Model Hobbies:
http://www.modelhobbies.co.uk/shop/

I'm also very impressed with the ease of navigation on the Model Hobbies site, compared to some others. For those with mailing addresses outside the European Economic Community, be sure to register as a customer; then, when you log in, you automatically get the lower, non-EC, VAT-deducted price appearing on your screen.

Oh, they also still have the Hobby Boss 1/72 MiG-3 in stock - a lot of other shops are sold out of this popular kit; speaking of the HB MiG-3, here's a neat build article, also from the May IM, by Stephen Tontoni:
http://www.internetmodeler.com/2008/may/aviation/hb_mig.php

Ilya Grinberg's review of the latest La-5/La-5F/La-5FN decals from AML, in both 1/72 and 1/48:
http://www.internetmodeler.com/2008/may/new-releases/decal_aml-la5.php

Review of the Osprey "Il-2 Shturmovik Guards Units of WWII":
http://www.internetmodeler.com/2008/may/new-releases/book_il2.php

Happy days!? :D

John


Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: Massimo Tessitori on May 04, 2008, 08:39:35 AM
Hi John, :)
thank you for the links.
The one to Internetmodeler on the La-5 kits has not functioned today; I'll try again later.
Massimo


Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: John Thompson on May 04, 2008, 03:06:07 PM
Hi John, :)
thank you for the links.
The one to Internetmodeler on the La-5 kits has not functioned today; I'll try again later.
Massimo

My fault - I copied and pasted it from my post on the hobbyvista site, where it was abbreviated. I replaced the bad link with a fresh one - should be okay now.

John


Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: Massimo Tessitori on May 04, 2008, 04:31:08 PM
Hi John, :)
thank you. I've read the review now. I am interested in that kit, my main concern is for the vacuformed canopy that I don't love too much.
Massimo


Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: John Thompson on May 04, 2008, 06:10:05 PM
Hi Massimo!  :) Yes, I agree, but at least AML are offering two different ways of installing it, plus a spare. From Ilya's images, this appears to be true for both kits. If all else fails, for the La-5F one could substitute the injected canopy from the KoPro La-5FN, I suppose, or perhaps the Eduard La-7 - it has open and closed canopy options, if I remember correctly.

I found Stephen Tontoni's article on the Hobby Boss MiG-3 to be *very* interesting - I like the way he replaced the wing slats. I suggested years ago that photoetch manufacturers should include this detail in their brass sets. I also liked the way he detailed the cockpit by opening it up from the underside, although it is a lot of work! It's amazing that he finished this model in only four days, especially with such a complex camouflage scheme! (It takes me about four days just to get the box open... ;) )

John


Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: Libor Jekl on May 05, 2008, 11:57:32 AM
Hi all, 

Sorry for being too critical, but I think the new AML kit lacks the typical feature of La-5 fuselage silhouette: the upper fuselage lines in front and behind the canopy are parallel, only behind the canopy the line is set little bit higher. Unfortunately, the fuselage behind the canopy is "bent" down what means the whole rear fuselage section is downswept distinctively  - at the vertical fin the difference is 3-4mm. Coupled with wrong span and cowling diameter, the kit is a bit dissapointment for me. From the building and "technological" point of view, it is only for hardcore guys, as almost all parts do not fit and the surface details are equal to kits released 10+ years ago...
I have two of them on my table and put them aside for the moment, to find some relief on other projects. From my very personal point of view it is really a wasted chance to have a state-of-the-art 1/72 La-5 kit.  :'(



Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: Massimo Tessitori on May 05, 2008, 01:24:04 PM
Hi Libor, :)
so, this kit is unsatisfying... pity! :'(
What drawings did you use for your considerations on the outline?
According to the same drawings, have you tested how  the outlines of KP and Cooperativa kits fit?
Massimo


Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: John Thompson on May 05, 2008, 02:12:06 PM
Hi all,

Sorry for being too critical, but I think the new AML kit lacks the typical feature of La-5 fuselage silhouette: the upper fuselage lines in front and behind the canopy are parallel, only behind the canopy the line is set little bit higher. Unfortunately, the fuselage behind the canopy is "bent" down what means the whole rear fuselage section is downswept distinctively - at the vertical fin the difference is 3-4mm. Coupled with wrong span and cowling diameter, the kit is a bit dissapointment for me. From the building and "technological" point of view, it is only for hardcore guys, as almost all parts do not fit and the surface details are equal to kits released 10+ years ago...
I have two of them on my table and put them aside for the moment, to find some relief on other projects. From my very personal point of view it is really a wasted chance to have a state-of-the-art 1/72 La-5 kit. :'(



That sounds like bad news, but do you mean the actual *La-5* kit, or are you describing the *La-5FN*? Are you using the drawings from the MBI "Lavochkin La-5" book? Thanks, Libor!

John


Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: Libor Jekl on May 05, 2008, 02:31:03 PM
Hi all,

Sorry once again if my comments sound too critical, overall, it is great we have the other option than the old KP kit (which is still quite accurate? ;D).
However, I think there is something wrong with the fuselage, either in the kit or MBI drawings. Look at the scale drawing which is included in the kit's instructions and compare with fuselage halve. Author of this drawing is the same as in the MBI book, but comparison with MBI drawings show (only) approx. 1.5mm variation.
I don't believe my example was so badly warped...
Yes, I'm speaking about the FN version. Btw, the same problem had the KP La-7...
KP La-5FN seems to be much better in this specific area (but it has some other "issues").

Cheers
Libor

P.S. I forget to mention bad profile shape of the propeller blades and try to obtain that propeller assembly tool, otherwise you get crazy to get the propeller assembly together? :D


Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: John Thompson on May 05, 2008, 02:56:49 PM
Hi again Libor! What you say makes some sense - Ilya had said in another thread that AR had compared the AML La-5FN to drawings, and found what sounds like the same error you described. I'm relieved - I just ordered the La-5 and La-5F kits, *not* the La-5FN!  :D

This is the thread I'm referring to; see Ilya's reply in post #13:
http://vvs.hobbyvista.com/Forum/showthread.php?tid=676&pid=4457#pid4457

John


Title: Re: May 2008 Internet Modeler
Post by: Libor Jekl on May 05, 2008, 03:12:03 PM
Hi John!

Thanks for the link, interesting! I think it is same "error".

bye for now,
Libor