Dako 1/72 Yak-7B

The Yak-7B was regarded as just an improved Yak-7A, however, it was initially tested earlier than the previous variant. The major improvement was the replacement of the ShKAS machine guns with UBS versions. The provision for the 6 RS-82 rockets was retained. Externally, they were quite similar. The biggest drawback of the plane was that it required a very long rollout after landing because the brakes tended to lock up, flipping the plane over on its back, so had to be used sparingly. To overcome this an 80 liter fuel tank was installed behind the cockpit. However, this upset the in-flight stability of the plane and was often removed. Other complaints were the poor quality of the plexiglas that often required to fly with the canopy open so they could see and the lack of any rear vision capabilities.

Despite this, several thousand were delivered and the type was considered the best aircraft in the force. A later modification, the Yak-7B/M-105PF had the PF engine of greater boost pressure. The fuselage was lightened, the seat was ground adjustable, and the rear canopy was replaced by ply and the rear decking somewhat revised. The rocket rails were deleted, the engine had new exhaust of six equal length ejectors per side. Other engine faults like excessive oil loss, and overheating were taken care of in the later Yak-9 series.

An even later Yak-7B(improved) was built to try to overcome the advantage of the latest Luftwaffe fighters. This 1943 design had a number of improvements such as a highly polished exterior with all gaps sealed and retractable tail wheel with doors. The improvement in performance was exceptional, however, the reality of the situation was that this high standard would be impossible to maintain during normal production so this variant never entered service.

Upon first seeing the kit, I was reminded of the ICM 1/48 kit. The general detail level of the kit is quite similar. What is missing is the coating of mold release that the ICM kit was bathed in! Surface detail is very good, consisting of crisply done engraved panel lines. Surface texture of the medium grey plastic is a tad rough (as in not ice smooth), though a coat of paint will easily take care of that. Fabric representation is fair, consisting of the usual hill and valley approach, but not too overdone. I always look for flash, sink areas and ejector pin marks/towers when reviewing kits. This one has all three, though not in abundance and most of it can easily be corrected. Only a few pieces had any real flash. There were sink areas on the rudder and floor (thick plastic), and lower wing (opposite ejector towers). Ejector stubs of varying lengths are limited to the wings and fuselage. Those on the wings will have to be removed prior to construction. Clear bits are well molded, a touch thick and somewhat distorted. The canopy is separate and though I'm not sure if it can be posed open, if closed, the distortion will prevent any interior detail from easily being seen. There are no optional parts.

The instructions are quite well done. It is basically a single sheet of folded paper with the 7 step construction sequence and paint/decal placement guide on one side, with the history, warnings and paint guide on the other. Paints are in Humbrol, VVS, and FS 595 numbers where appropriate. A generic name is also provided.

Markings are provided for three aircraft. First is the box art plane from the Stalingrad area in 1942/43 in white uppers with aircraft blue undersides and a patriotic slogan on the fuselage. It has a spinner and fin tip in red. Next is a mid 1943 plane, white 26 in brown and green uppers with aircraft blue undersides from the 3 IAC. It sports a white fin tip with a white spinner tipped in red. Finally is white 1 from 1942. It is also in brown and green uppers with a light blue underside. This one has a patriotic banner on the fuselage. The decals are by Prodecals, are well printed and are glossy. They also seem to be quite opaque. A set of kill markings is stapled to the upper right of the sheet for use with the final aircraft. The

Overall, this looks like a very nice kit. There are not a lot of parts to it and barring any fit problems, should be able to be constructed rather quickly. I don't know if any other injected Yak-7s are around, so this one will be most welcome to VVS enthusiasts.

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KIT:	Dako 1/72 Yak-7B
KIT #	12006
PRICE:	CDN $11.92
DECALS:	Three aircraft
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken IPMS C5729
NOTES: