Zvezda La-5fn (WIP)

I opened the Eduard box (La-5). It's not going to be a walk in the park by any means but I always enjoy a challenge. (well...mostly) I have to finish up my current build and then it begins!

Nathan, I will certainly let you know how my Lavochkin turns out. I actually got it today and haven't opened the box yet but noticed the different camo schemes. It's going to be difficult to choose but I may do a snow camouflage version or the type you did. I have another VVS aircraft , an IL-2 which I will most likely do with the green/black as I think that was pretty standard for those.

Anyway, thanks again for sharing your great build!

 Regards, Mikey

Eduard did a nice job with the schemes in that kit. All it might need is a vacuform canopy for the sliding portion if you want to open the cockpit. Good luck with the build and let me know how it goes.

Nathan, It was the La-5 not the FN version. That one is out of stock but would've been 50 bucks regardless which is a smidgen over my budget. I feel guilty enough shelling out 40!

Thats a great deal Mikey. Is that the La-5 or -5fn boxing? Good to hear Squadron is good for something. Thanks for the good comments on my build.  

Nathan T

Thanks for hanging in there guys. I see now Eduard has released this kit in a limited edition boxing, with all the pe and resin tires. Decals are nice, but I was hoping for more resin goodies from them, such as an engine or resin guns and gun bay. That kit is still on my list though as I want to build another La-5.

You're so right on the EZ line Nathan. I've been in love with it since I first used it. Also, the cool thing is that with its stretch factor I don't break antennas while dusting anymore!

Nathan, it is a lovely product.  I also am hoping to evolve and grow a third hand.

Thanks for the good comments Andrew and John! Andrew- Glad I helped steer you towards EZ line. Much better than stretched sprue, and I don't have to paint it. I still could use a third hand though, when attaching it.

Very nicely done Nathan. Brutishly elegant is my way of describing the La-5.  Your build has Done it incredible justice.  John

Again, Nathan, a beautiful job.  I can see what you mean about falling in love with that aircraft, such beautiful lines.  Very nicely done, I think you've done her justice and then some.

I've been playing with filters myself a bit, but like yourself always working over a gloss coat in case things get out of hand.  I find even when I think I've removed all of the oil paint, I still find a slight amount left behind.  Just a subtle colour shift.  

I also took a note from one of your posts ages ago, touting EZ line, and I have to say, the stuff is amazing and money incredibly well spent.  I got mine by ordering through Bobe's Hobby House, if I recall correctly.

Again, my hats off, Nathan, that is a beautiful bird.

Thanks guys!

Joe- EZ line is a stretchable thread that comes in various sizes and is smoke colored. It bonds well with superglue. I got mine from Rollmodels.

THAT, sir, is a good-looking machine. Nice work Nathan!

Fantastic job Nathan.  I hope to eventually build this kit.  I happen to hate riggng aerial lines.  What is EZ line and where does one get it?  I presume its fastened with super glue?

Thanks for shaing your build.  

Joe

Wow Nathan, that's as nice a La-5 as I've sen around here since the "Field Marshall's" and one of the most impressive canopies to date.  Well done!

Very nicely done.  Very impressive weathering work there, Nathan.

Thanks for the interest guys. Yes, artists oils were used for the wash and filter effects. I am certainly up for a tutorial on my next wip- whatever that may be??

I finished all my detail work and have come to the end of the build. To review, this is Zvezda's La-5fn kit converted to an La-5f. This involved cutting off the top cowling intake and added resin parts from the AML decal sheet. I also used a Vector resin cockpit and Resin wheels from Barracudacast. To finish off the build, I added an antenna wire from EZ line. This stuff works so well, that I actually look forward to rigging the antenna! I also gave the model a flat coat with Mr. Color Semi-Gloss clear. I added the nav lights using the clear parts from the kit. The canopy was posed open. The kit canopy is a little thick, and barely fit even with using the narrow rear deck part the kit gives you. Next time I will get a vac canopy, or just simply leave it closed. I do love the lines of this aircraft! I can't say enough good things about this kit. Things fit real well, and the detail is amazing. I only used a Vector resin cockpit because I got one on sale for under 10 bucks. Otherwise, the kit pit is nice by itself. The only iffy part would be the kit decals. I've used Zvezda's decals on my Yak 3 and they were marginal. So go pick up this kit and pick your favorite scheme in the form of aftermarket decals, and prepare to fall in love with the Russian La-5! Comments or questions, then fire away!

mustang1989

lawdog114

Thanks Nathan.  I think I got it.  By oils you mean artist oils.   Perhaps a tutorial on your next build?....

Joe

That would be cool. I'd be tuned in to that for sure.

Ditto on that

lawdog114

Thanks Nathan.  I think I got it.  By oils you mean artist oils.   Perhaps a tutorial on your next build?....

Joe

Thanks Nathan.  I think I got it.  By oils you mean artist oils.   Perhaps a tutorial on your next build?....

Joe

Thanks Mustang and falcon! I guess I'll have to take more pics of the oil filter process next time.

John- Is this the show in Rochester? I'm too far away for that one...

Nathan,

 Looks great,  makes me want to start on my Eduard La-7 I have.  Did you say you going to go to the "hope it don't snow show"?  I'l be there too.

John

lawdog114

What a beaut Nathan.  What do you mean by "filters".  I've seem this term tossed around and was curious what it is and how it's done.  Is it some type of wash technique?

Joe

Thanks everyone for the good words.

Joe- I've only begun to experiment with filters. What I'm referring to is dots of oil paints on the suface of the model. Different colors randomly applied, then blended together with a soft paint brush, and streaked in the direction of airflow, and blended and burnished down into the paint until they dissapear. They alter the hue of the colors, and give it a nice, subtle, faded/patchy look. Now this method is still hard for me, as certain colors seem to dominate and overpower the others, such as using too much blue or white dots. Sometimes I end up wiping the oils completely off and loosing the effect. So I wonder if doing this over a semi-gloss surface would be better?? Another method I use for high wear/faded/dirty areas such as wing roots, is to apply brown/earth tone oils to the model with a paint brush in larger gobs, and then take a cotton swab and rub them around until they are worked into the paint. It seems to work well. I'm sorry I didn't take any pics of this process, but I will point it out on my finished pics, which might be tomorrow!

I will say, if you haven't tried weathering with oil paints, you are missing out!!!

Lovin it Nathan!

What a beaut Nathan.  What do you mean by "filters".  I've seem this term tossed around and was curious what it is and how it's done.  Is it some type of wash technique?

Joe

Thanks guys, I hope to have it completed in the next few days.

Sweet looking build Nathan.

Looks great