1/48 La-5/La-5FN (Zvezda) Photo-Etched Detailing Kit (Microdesign MD048014)

What Is It?

Elevate the look and realism of your La-5/La-5FN scale model to the next level with this photo-etched detailing set, meticulously tailored to fit the Zvezda 1/48 scale kit. A direct descendant of the LaGG-3, the La-5 quickly gained fame for its improved airframe, rugged radial engine, and performance edge in mid-altitude dogfights. Transform your build from a basic rendition into a near-authentic portrayal of one of the Soviet Union’s premier WWII fighters, famously effective in defending skies over Stalingrad, Kursk, and beyond. This set ensures the cockpit instrumentation, engine, and landing gear details—hallmarks of the Lavochkin lineage—shine with historical accuracy. Crafted from 0.15 mm brass, this set includes two photo-etch plates (one featuring a pre-colored dashboard and seatbelts) plus a full-color instruction manual, delivering 67 unique parts. Expect refined additions like colored instrument panels, control levers, seat, seatbelts, landing gear components, engine fittings, and many other intricate parts essential for historically precise modeling. By incorporating these durable metal elements, you replicate, with precision, the features of the real La-5/La-5FN, effectively bringing your model to life for all to admire. Whether you are replicating an Aircraft or Airfield Diorama, This kit ensures authenticity and precision. The components are lightweight yet sturdy, allowing for easy handling during assembly. By using this kit, you can transform your La-5/La-5FN model into a MASTERPIECE with museum-quality detail. The brass material provides durability while maintaining a fine, realistic appearance, making it an essential addition for any model enthusiast.

Who Is It Intended For?

This photo-etch detailing set is ideal for:

• Beginner to intermediate modelers looking for a cockpit and engine upgrade on a legendary Soviet fighter
• Diorama builders illustrating Eastern Front airfields or mid-altitude dogfight scenarios
• Collectors seeking a show-stopping piece capturing the Lavochkin design brilliance
• WWII aviation enthusiasts highlighting the La-5/La-5FN’s vital role in contesting Luftwaffe superiority

Benefits

1. Cockpit & Engine Detailing: Features colored instrument panels, seat, seatbelts, control levers, engine fittings, and more, ensuring near-realistic internal detail
2. Premium Brass: 0.15 mm brass guaranteeing crisp, high-quality etched parts that enhance both cockpit and external features
3. Comprehensive Additions: 67 unique pieces focusing on the La-5/La-5FN’s iconic radial engine details, landing gear, and cockpit layout
4. Medium Difficulty: A rewarding step-up for modelers wanting to portray a key Soviet fighter’s mechanical depth

Product Details

Kit Composition

• Two photo-etched brass plates containing instrument panels (colored), seat, seatbelts, control levers, landing gear enhancements, engine detail parts, and more
• Full-color instruction manual ensuring exact placement and assembly

Applications

Perfect for:

• Soviet WWII fighter dioramas showing La-5/La-5FN readiness on Eastern Front airfields
• Collector’s builds seeking a show-stopping Soviet fighter cockpit layout
• Exhibition models emphasizing the La-5’s evolution from LaGG-3 to radial-powered supremacy

Historical Background

The La-5, introduced in the early 1940s, and its refined variant, the La-5FN, were born from Lavochkin’s mission to deliver a robust radial-engine fighter capable of contesting the Luftwaffe’s hold over the Eastern Front. Building on the wooden LaGG-3’s airframe but adopting a powerful Shvetsov radial engine, the La-5 showcased dramatic improvements in climb rate, speed, and maneuverability—qualities critical during the grueling air battles at Stalingrad and Kursk. As the war progressed, modifications like fuel injection and aerodynamic tweaks led to the La-5FN, widely regarded by Soviet pilots as one of the best dogfighters available in mid-to-late WWII. Its success in neutralizing superior German fighters spotlighted the Lavochkin design bureau’s adaptability and solidified the La-5’s position as a mainstay in VVS (Soviet Air Force) front-line operations, paving the way for further Lavochkin innovations in fighter design. By enhancing your La-5/La-5FN model with these photo-etched parts, you honor the aircraft’s pivotal role in defending the Soviet Union’s skies and capturing the rugged, high-octane performance that helped turn the tide against Axis air superiority.

How to Use

Follow these steps for an impressively detailed La-5/La-5FN build:

1. Remove any molded plastic detail where photo-etch items (cockpit panels, seat, etc.) will attach.
2. Use fine nippers or a blade to carefully detach the brass parts from the photo-etch plates.
3. Bend or shape components as specified by the full-color instructions, aligning them accurately in the cockpit or on engine structures.
4. Affix them with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue or a recommended adhesive, ensuring proper orientation of seatbelts and panels.
5. Prime and paint in alignment with established La-5 or La-5FN camouflage schemes (often featuring a mix of green, gray, and the distinctive Soviet red stars).
6. Consult historical references to finalize weathering, unit markings, and finishing touches that convey operational authenticity.

Why Choose Imodellers MD048014? ?

• Cockpit & Engine Focus: Captures the radial engine's key features, cockpit instrumentation, seatbelts, and more, reflecting the La-5/La-5FN’s evolution
• Premium Brass Material: 0.15 mm thickness ensuring finely etched parts and easy application throughout assembly
• Thorough Package: 67 pieces across two boards, covering interior, engine, and structural enhancements
• Medium Difficulty: A fulfilling upgrade for modelers capturing the La-5’s high-altitude performance and robust design

Upgrade Your La-5/La-5FN Model with Unmatched Detail & Soviet Fighter Heritage!

Elevate your Eastern Front WWII aircraft build using these high-precision brass components. Order now and celebrate the La-5’s enduring legacy of agility and firepower!

Shipping Information

Item Location: USA

Fast Shipping: Item will be shipped immediately after payment.