1:72 Decals Red Devils in LaGGs-3 Pt.I (re-edit.)

LaGG-3, Red Devils decals, part I, 1:72 (AML)

A decal sheet in 1:72 scale for models of the Soviet fighter LaGG-3, devoted to machines with bold personal markings. It is the first part of a series, released again in a reworked form. The package holds only the decals; a model and paints are not part of it.

The real subject

The LaGG-3 was a Soviet single-engine fighter of the early 1940s. Its airframe was largely built from glued and compressed wood, because aluminum was in short supply. The structure was tough and took damage fairly well, but because of its weight and a weaker engine the aircraft fell behind in performance and was gradually replaced by newer types. Early and late production batches differed in the shape of the rear part of the canopy, in equipment and in finish, because a wooden skin was painted differently from a metal one and different plants used different procedures.

How to work with the decals

Markings of this kind tend to be large and run across engraved seams and the transitions of the fuselage, so reckon on a softener and on patience. The base has to be glossy and perfectly dry. Trim the motif close, soak it in lukewarm water and let it rest until the film starts to slide by itself. Once it is settled, draw the water off and let it dry overnight; only then bring out the seams if you wish. On a model with a wooden skin it pays to blend the decals in lightly with a thin coat of thinned base color or a light wash, so that they do not look like a new sticker on a weathered finish.

Who the set is for

• Modelers of Soviet fighters of the Second World War in 1:72 scale
• Those who want to set a model apart from the schemes supplied in the box
• Collectors of decal sheets for types that appear only rarely
• Modelers building several machines of the same type

The package holds only the decals. The model, paints and varnishes are not included in the delivery.