Vector 1/48 LaGG-3 “Early” (5-Gun)
and “Mid-Series”
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Introduction
Here are the two latest kit releases from Russian company Vector. This
tandem of all-resin LaGG-3 variants complete the OKB Lavockin family in
1/48 scale.
Not so long ago I reviewed the “Late” version of the Vector’s
LaGG, and since these kits have a lot in common, I will now discuss the
differences at hand and refer more enthusiastic readers to my previous
review here.
The Kit
 Having
seen all four previous kits from Vector, I can attest that the production
quality was progressively increased with each release. First La-5s and
La-5Fs established the very high standard we now came to expect as default
from Vector, but in retrospect they did have some quirks (simplistic instructions,
big casting gates for the main parts, some minute parts missing, and resin
with those multicolored swirls in it – not detrimental for the finished
model but just looking weird). La-5FN and LaGG-3 “Late” came
as second generation kits, and corrected most of the aforementioned disadvantages,
and added some further refinements, like the all separate control surfaces.
These new LaGG-3s - 3rd generation of kits, as I call them - are another
step closer to perfection. Instructions are now more comprehensive, with
painting suggestions and color profiles of the featured aircraft, there
are almost no casting gates on all major components, and most importantly
the casting quality is some of the best I’ve yet seen. Even the
new box art looks more appealing to me. The only objections remaining
in my inventory are:
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One-sided attachment for the tail wheel inside the fuselage (follow
the link to aforementioned review of the “Late” type for
detailed explanation)
-
Flimsy kit packaging made of thick paper instead of some stronger
cardboard.
So what is the main reason to have three different LaGG-3 kits in resin?
Well, it is the significant fuselage variation and some additional changes
to the airframe: cowling shape and panels, air inlets and scoops, oil-radiator,
armament, as well as vertical stabilizer and spinner modification, removal
of the landing light and addition of slats on the “Late” type.
Therefore selecting the “Early”, “Mid-Series”
and “Late” version was a logical progression, to envelop the
LaGG family.
Note that the “Early” kit represents the 5-gun aircraft.
According to the "Soviet Air Force Fighter Colours, 1941-45“
book, only the first batch of LaGG-s had this armament arrangement. Later
“Early” models had their starboard UBS gun removed in anticipation
of the heavier and bulkier cannon to be installed in the centerline position
(firing through the spinner). My recommendation is to do your homework
and search through available references for aircraft you are interested
to model.
In the “Mid-Series” model Vector includes additional parts
for the ski-equipped aircraft. I must admit that this is my personal favorite.
Many good photographs exist of these “winter-sport” LaGG-s
with faded dirty-white camouflage, so this is an excellent subject selection.
If I were to wish for more, it would be that the late type “blown”
spinner was also included, as several ski-equipped LaGG-s from the photos
display this type. Detailed rockets with rails and bombs make up the ordinance
package in this kit.
 Both
“Early” and “Mid-Series“ kits appropriately have
provision for the landing light, installed in the port wing leading edge.
Detail here is especially good, with separate reflector piece and even
the side inner wing structure molded into the light aperture. Transparent
cover is also provided, made together with the clear and blemish-free
vac-form canopy.
Both boxes contain decals for six airplanes each, most of these very
colorful. Featured examples have either the standard Green/Black or the
Green/Dark Green base camouflage over the common Light Blue under surfaces,
with few exceptions being heavily or completely over-painted with White
distemper. Lavish personal inscriptions are included, as are the two variants
of the popular “Galchenko’s cat”, in the “Early”
LaGG version. Decals are produced by “Begemot” to their usual
fine standard.
Conclusion
Only a few years ago the selection of Lavockin kits in 1/48 was quite
humble. Those times are now blissfully gone. Companies like South Front
and Zvezda announced, or have already on offer the 1/48 La and LaGG fighters
in injection plastic. For me however, Vector kits remain by far the best,
most detailed, and now all-inclusive family of “Lavockas”
in any scale. As with anything holding such quality and refinement, they
are not cheap by any measure, but one does know where the money went with
these kits.
I can also attest that they build with ease. The taboo of the “full
resin kit” is rapidly diminishing with the advances in resin-casting
technology and this material is finding its way into greater popularity.
As for Vector, the future looks bright and some BIGGER and even better
things are on the horizon. My advice is: get familiar with CA and epoxy
glue, and stay tuned…
My earnest thanks go to Sergey for these wonderful kits.
As usual, these and other Vector products can be obtained online from
following two vendors
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