1:144 Lavochkin La-15 'Fantail'

Lavochkin La-15 Fantail 1:144 (Armory)

A modern injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet postwar Lavochkin La-15 jet fighter in 1:144 scale. The set combines finely made plastic parts with clear parts and a photo-etched fret for refining the detail. The package usually holds parts for a pair of models, which will please collectors of the small scales.

The real subject

The La-15 was a jet fighter with a swept wing, developed at the time when jet technology was arriving, alongside other Soviet fighters. It was built in limited numbers only, even though in some respects it ranked among the capable machines of its day. That limited service is exactly what makes it a less usual and all the more interesting subject.

Building and painting tips

Glue the small parts of a small scale carefully with liquid cement, and the photo-etched parts with cyanoacrylate glue. Use a filler primer before painting, which tells on a metal finish. Pick the fine panel lines out with a discreet wash so that the model does not end up looking overdone.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of jet fighters in 1:144 scale
• Anyone interested in less usual Soviet aircraft types
• Modelers who will appreciate photo-etched detail and a pair of models in the box

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.