Zvezda 1/48 Yak-3 Inbox Review

[Dave Ward]

Zvezda have produced a few WWII 1/48 Aircraft - La-5FN, Pe-2, Su-2 - they are all very nice models ( yes, I've made them, or they're in the stash ) so here is the Yak-3.................

Another box-in-a-box, sturdy to rake knocks...................
Sprue shots

This sprue is essentially the parts for the engine!



Instructions - can be downloaded from the Zvezda website https://en.zvezda.org.ru/catalog/sbo...8_29215_25255/ :thumb2:

Line drawing instructions - pretty clear, but rather 'fussy' and need careful inspection!
Detail shots & comments in post 2!

[Dave Ward]

My model is missing a small sprue with the pilot - he was used on another build!
Detail shots

The model has the option of fully cowled - or open for maintenance - frames over the engine

Twin heavy machine guns mounted over the engine

The Yak-3 was essentially a wooden aircraft - only stressed areas were metal



Parts are pretty cleanly moulded - a whisper of flash here and there, but nothing a good clean up won't solve.
No shrink marks & ejector pin marks are in hidden positions.
Construction isn't complicated, if you wish to build this buttoned up, however the provision of a complete detailed engine will tempt quite a few modellers - this does complicate the build - a lot -adding wiring & piping will really make this something special.
No seat harness provided ( seems to be a common failing ) but if you're using the pilot - no problem.
Eduard did a few specific PE detail sets for this, but they seem to be discontinued.
John has these in stock at £17.99 - a good price!
If you're building it with the cowling closed, then a beginner would find this OK, but if you want to model this with the engine on show, that's a different matter
Dave