Brengun 1/144 KP La-5 Photoetch Sets
By Matt Bittner
The KP 1/144 Lavochkin La-5s are very nicely done kits. Out of the box they will look great; couple them with any of the aftermarket sets available now – especially this set from Brengun – and you'll have an excellent 1/144 model of the La-5.
The set includes plenty to dress up the interior. It has single-piece sidewalls for both fuselage halves that include plenty of detail; there is a new fold-up seat that will look more-to-scale than the kit's; it includes belts for that seat; there is a new yoke for the control column included; there are also replacement rudder pedals; and finally there is a replacement instrument panel. For the exterior Brengun includes new landing gear doors; oleo scissors for the landing gear; a replacement shutter for the front of the engine (although there is no engine to show behind the shutters); and inserts into the landing gear wells.
There is actually no difference in the photoetch between the three sets; however, when it comes to the La-5F you're provided with the choice of "early" or "late" landing gear doors. But that begs the question. Since the La-5FN came after the La-5F, shouldn't the La-5FN then use the "later" gear doors instead of the "early" ones as shown in the instruction sheet? Something I'll have to figure out at a later date.
In any event, though, these are excellent photoetch sets providing more detail to any of the excellent KP 1/144 Lavochkin La-5s. Add the vacuum-formed, replacement canopies and you'll have an excellent model to add to your shelves.
My huge thanks to Brengun for sending all three photoetch sets.