La-7 decals from APC

Among the types not in so big focus in modeling world is famous Soviet fighter plane Lavockin La-7. With its performance it was among the last and top German and Ally fighter plane and many Soviet aces flew on this machine. So it is pleasure, at least for me, to see any news regarding La-7 and one of the last is the set of decals released by APC from Czech Republic.

IPC was subject of few articles before and let’s make few bits again. It was hold by Lubos Vinar and he has developed a range of decals in short run series. For this purpose, he use printer and print decals on decal paper. Specific for this decals is they are print on wide film so you need to trim carefully each decal before apply. Also, surface must be highly polished to make decals set properly; reason could be a little bit ticker film of decals. Adhere to surface details is excellent and it work with most known decals solutions.

What we have here is four sets, two in 1/72 scale and two in 1/48 scale. They cover two types of La-7, one with two cannons and other with three cannons. In 1/72 scale set APC72123 is for two cannon version, decal set APC72124 is for three cannon version of La-7. In 1/48 scale, APC48123 is for two cannon version and APC48124 is for three cannon version. All decals cover La-7 use in CSR at last days of WW2 as well post war use.

Decals sets are identical regarding samples machine, sets APC 72123 and APC48123, contain samples machine with serials and numbers SU-60, JV-8 and no. 11. Sets APC72124 and APC48124 including sample machines B-4788, IW-9 and PL-02. So difference is in scale only.

For basic kit I use Eduard La-7, Overstress kit 7060X. Scale is 1/72 and it includes also small etched set. As well it comes without any instructions and decals, I use instructions for other Edaurd La-7 kit but you can also download PDF version of instruction from Eduard web site. This kit have excellent features, it can be made as two cannon or three cannon version, all you need is to change top cannon cover as well front engine nacelle ring.

If you love Czech aviation, this decal set is for sure for you. Whole range of APC decals you can find here and if you need any specific subject, just contact Lubos. Great thanks to Lubos for beer and decals samples and thanks goes to Eduard too for support of this build with sample kit provided.

Srecko Bradic