Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $15.95 Distributed by Dragon Models, USA, Inc: www.dragonmodelsusa.com A big Thank You to ICM Holding and Dragon Models for graciously providing this kit to IPMS for our review. The LaGG-3 began life as the LaGG-1 in 1938. Similar to the DeHavilland Mosquito the LaGG-1 was of all-wood construction except for the metal frame fabric covered control surfaces. Flown for the first time in March 1940 the LaGG-1 proved somewhat disappointing. Subsequent modifications to the -1 included lightening of the airframe, using a higher rated and supercharged engine, increased fuel capacity, a three bladed propeller and leading-edge slats. With these changes the aircraft was designated the LaGG-3. Nonetheless, it was still underpowered and proved immensely unpopular with pilots. The LaGG-3 was used extensively during the German invasion. It acquitted itself reasonably well due to the wooden construction's ability to absorb battle damage. In all, over 6,500 are believed to have been built. Armament varied on the aircraft, but a typical installation included a 20mm cannon firing through the propeller hub and two 0.50-in machine guns in the engine cowling firing through the propeller. Under-wing racks for rockets and light bombs were also available. ICM's LaGG-3 comes in an end-opening box wrapped in cellophane. Inside the box is one cellophane bag containing three gray-green sprues and one clear sprue. Also included are decals for four different aircraft, a set of building instructions and a set of painting instructions for the four planes. All the decals have a flat finish rather than the common gloss finish. The construction instructions use the exploded view technique to lead you through eight steps on three pages. The part numbers are clearly depicted in the instructions; however, none of the parts are numbered on the sprues. You must refer back to the parts layout drawing to locate the parts. These numbers are small and may not be that easy to see by some builders. The painting instructions contain paint schemes for four different aircraft. All four are some form of camouflage pattern. Two patterns contain white to harmonize with the snow-covered terrain over which they operated. This appears to be an easy kit to build and because of the camouflage scheme, will be a striking addition to the shelf. I look forward to building this kit and will provide a complete review in the near future.

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