Valom 1/72 Yak-7B
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Introduction
When I was back in Chicago recently, I had a chance to stop by Venture
Hobbies in the Chicago suburbs. While I was there, I saw both the 1/72
ICM Yak-9 and Yak-7. For some foolish reason, I decided to buy only one
of them, the Yak-9, figuring that I could always buy the Yak-7 later.
Non-buyer’s remorse hit me when I got home. I called and found out
they had sold the ICM Yak-7, but had another ICM Yak-9 and a Valom Yak-7B.
The Valom kit was more expensive than the ICM, but they assured me it
was a much better kit. So, I decided to buy it. As long as I was buying
it, I also decided to buy the ICM Yak 9. No more “failure to buy”
remorse for me!
The Yak-7B was a refinement of the Yak-7A and a forerunner of the most
produced Yak fighter of the Great Patriotic War, the Yak-9. Modifications
to the Yak-7A were based on reports from the Front that dealt with the
weak firepower provided by the Yak-7A’s guns and its poor rate of
climb. The Yak-7A’s two ShKAS 7.63 mm machine guns, found above
the engine, were replaced by two 12.7 mm UBS guns. The 20 mm ShVAK cannon
was eventually replaced by the Shpitalnii MPSh-37, a powerful 37 mm cannon.
The Yak-7B was originally powered by the 1,050 hp M-105PA engine. This
was the same engine used by the Yak-7A and the Yak-7UTI trainer. Later
production of the Yak-7B upgraded to the more powerful Klimov M-105PF.
With the new engine, the Yak-7B was able to reach 582 km/h at 3,650 meters.
Service ceiling was 10,185 meters. In its final version, the Yak’s
handling characteristics were flawless and the airplane was loved by its
pilots.
THE KIT:
The top-opening box is made of sturdy cardboard. There is a nice depiction
of White 34 on the front of the box. Inside the box is one sprue of light
gray injected plastic. This contains all of the major parts of the airplane.
There is a clear plastic sprue that contains two options for the canopy,
landing light and gun sight. In addition, there is also a vacu-formed
canopy. Separately wrapped are some resin parts for the cockpit sidewalls,
wheels, rocket rails, rockets and the propeller hub backer. There is another
separately packaged pe sheet that has seat belts (two sets), radiator
grills, instrument panel and rudder pedals. There is also a small acetate
sheet for the cockpit instruments.
Decals are provided for two aircraft:
1) White 34 of the 29th GIAP, the subject of the box art, flown over
the Leningrad front in the Spring of 1943, done in standard black/green
over blue camouflage showing through under a winter white coating
2) White 29 flown by A.A. Matvejev of the 29th GIAP in the Autumn of
1943, done in standard black/green over blue camouflage.
I placed the fuselage and the wings on the 1/72 drawings in Soviet Air
Force Fighter Colours 1941-1945. They seem to match up pretty good. The
detailing on the underside of the wing is nicely done. The rivets on the
top of the front fuselage are appropriately understated. All in all, this
is a very nice looking kit that should produce an equally nice looking
model. Now that I have this review done and the pictures of the sprues
taken, this kit will move up to the top of my to-do list.
Instructions for the actual build of the model are found on a sheet
folded in half that shows exploded drawings of the eight step kit construction.
The parts are called out by their numbers and painting suggestions are
also indicated. A second sheet folded in half provides for color profiles
of the two choices. The decal locations and color recommendations are
called out on the sheet. A final sheet, folded in half, provides a brief
history of the Yak-7B, a parts map, a non-scale drawing of the plane and
finally a color chart giving the appropriate paint choices for Humbrol,
Agama, Model Master and Gunze Sangyo paints. Federal Standard numbers
are also noted for all of the color choices.
I mentioned the “standard” black/green over blue camouflage
scheme. Anyone doing the slightest bit of research into V.V.S. camouflage
patterns probably laughed out loud at that one. The colors are standard,
the patterns varied extensively. Look to the references for more guidance.
CONCLUSION:
Well, they sure didn’t lie to me about the quality of the Valom
kit. Based on the ICM Yak-9, Valom’s kit is probably a significant
improvement over ICM’s Yak-7. My only complaint with the kit is
its limited and rather pedestrian decal selection. With all of the cool
patriotic slogans to choose from that adorned many Yaks, the choices are
disappointing. I ordered the Valom Yak-7A and the only choice for that
kit is for an aircraft donated by a Communist Youth Group, emblazoned
along the fuselage. Hopefully the aftermarket decal producers will see
fit to do some Yak 7A’s and 7B’s based on the many known choices.
Since the ICM Yaks are now hard to find, the only choice for an injected
kit is really pretty simple. Fortunately, the quality of the Valom kit
is outstanding. While some may view it as a bit pricey, what you are provided
with in the kit provides a good bang for your buck.
RESOURCES:
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Yakolev Aces of World War 2, Osprey Aircraft of the Aces # 64,
George Mellinger, Osprey Publishing Ltd. 2005, ISBN 1 84176 845 6.
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Soviet Air Force Fighter Colours 1941-1945,
Erik Pilawskii, Classic Publications 2003,. ISBN 1 903223 30 X.
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