1:72 La-5 exhaust flaps

La-5 exhaust flaps 1:72 (Quickboost)

A resin replacement of the flaps at the outlet from the engine cowling for the plastic Lavochkin La-5 kit in 1:72 scale. Quickboost is an accessory range from the maker Aires aimed at simple replacement parts. A resin casting makes it possible to make the flaps markedly thinner than injection-molded plastic can manage, so the edge does not come across as a thick wall. The set is not an airplane model and is fitted onto a plastic kit.

The real subject

The Lavochkin La-5 was a Soviet single-seat fighter aircraft with an air-cooled radial engine. In this arrangement the flow of cooling air is regulated by movable flaps on the trailing edge of the cowling, which open according to the flight regime and the engine temperature. On the ground they are usually open, so their position is one of the details that give a model a lively look.

Building and painting tips

Wash the parts in warm water with detergent and remove the remains of the release agent. Cut the casting blocks off with a sharp scalpel or a fine saw, and work over a base with a raised edge on castings as small as these. Sand wet and with respiratory protection. They are glued with super glue, that is cyanoacrylate. The original plastic edge of the cowling usually has to be cut away and the area cleaned up, so try the part dry beforehand. Paint the inner side of the flaps and weather it before you glue them on for good. A thin wash into the gaps between the flaps and fine sooting toward the rear help at the end.

Who the set is for

• For modelers building the Lavochkin La-5 in 1:72 scale
• For builders who are bothered by the thick edge of the plastic cowling
• For models shown on the ground with the flaps open
• For modelers with experience of fine work in the small scale

This is an accessory, not an airplane kit. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise. Please check before buying that the parts match the kit you want to build.