1:24 Slovak National Uprising 1944 / Czechoslovak Legends in La – FN´s. Part II

La-5FN decals, the Slovak National Uprising 1944, 1:48 scale

An accessory decal sheet in 1:48 scale devoted to the Czechoslovak La-5FN fighter aircraft and their service in 1944. According to the name this is the second part of the series, so it follows on from an earlier sheet with the same theme.

The real subject

The Slovak National Uprising broke out at the end of August 1944. To support it, a Czechoslovak fighter unit armed with La-5FN aircraft, which it had received from its Soviet ally, was moved to Slovakia. The La-5FN was a single-engine Soviet fighter with a radial engine, and the letters in the designation refer to the more powerful version of the powerplant. For the Czechoslovak airmen this was the first combat service over their home territory in this war.

Building and painting tips

These are waterslide decals, which are applied onto a smooth, glossy surface. Keep to the order:

• Coat the area with gloss varnish and let it cure properly
• Cut the motif out close to the printing, so that as little carrier film as possible is left
• Leave it briefly in lukewarm water until it comes free of the paper
• Settle it with a soft brush and squeeze the water out with a cotton swab from the center toward the edges
• On areas with rivets and panel joints use a softener
• Once it has dried, even the model out with a matte or semi-gloss varnish

Who it is for

The sheet will be appreciated by a modeler with a feeling for Czechoslovak and Slovak aviation history who is building the La-5FN in 1:48 scale. The package contains decals only. The kit, paints, glue and a softener are not part of it, unless stated otherwise.