Prop & Jet 1/72 Lavochkin La-156
By Matt Bittner
Introduction
After the Lavochkin La-152 crashed on its eighth flight, Lavochkin first created an La-154 using the Lyulka TR-1, which was to be more powerful than the RD-10 installed in the La-152. However, after La-154 construction began, it was determinde the TR-1 engine wouldn't be ready, so the La-154 was cancelled. Following the La-154, though, was the La-156 which used an afterburning example of the RD-10 providing 30% more thrust than the standard RD-10.
In addition to the engine, other differences in the La-156 versus the La-152 were the overall area of the flying surfaces was increased, an ejection seat was installed in the cockpit, the canopy was enlarged and more cockpit armor was added. While there were two prototypes built - and tests were successful - there were other problems with the aircraft that forced the VVS to reject the La-156, and Lavochkin cancelled the project not long after.
The Kit
The Prop & Jet 1/72 Lavochkin La-156's break out is pretty close to their La-152. In fact, you'll notice this First Look looks a lot like the La-152's First Look. That's because the parts break out is the same, and there are only differences in the parts, and not how the La-156 is built. The La-156 consists of 31 pieces of gray resin and two vacuformed canopies, an extra being provided for in case of errors cutting out the first one. There are decals for the only flying example, "Red 56" (although this and Prop & Jet's La-152 shares the same decal sheet). Decals appear nicely printed and in register.
Construction starts with the removal of pieces from their pour blocks. The Prop & Jet instructions are helpful in this regard by showing what to remove from the fuselage halves, as well as those areas needing extra attention and cleaning. The instructions also show where to remove the pour block for the exhaust "cover" (part 13) as well as the cockpit tub. Prop & Jet instructions usually include a nice side-view drawing on how all the interior pieces are to line up in the fuselage as you're gluing the halves together, and the La-156 is no exception. Once all the interior pieces are glued in, then the fuselage halves can be brought together. You'll want to take your time with this step to be sure you have the halves lined up with no steps on the seams. Once the fuselage halves are together, then you can add the jet intake.The next step of the instruction sheet is where you make the aircraft look "complete" with the addition of both wings, both horizontal tail piecs, and the separate rudder. While the next step has you add the landing gear and gear doors, I would wait until after painting and decaling for this step. However, if you plan on showing the model with a closed canopy, then add the pilot's seat and control stick, and glue on the canopy, after masking.
Conclusion
This is another excellent kit from Prop & Jet. With the high level of detail found in Prop & Jet kits, the only thing truly needed is the addition of some type of seat belts, and you have an excellent rendition of these early Lavochkin jets.
Our thanks once again to Prop & Jet for supplying this exquisite La-156 model to review.