Continuing with some really fine schemes for Soviet WWII fighters, this sheet has a goodly selection to choose from. Finding kits for these shouldn't be too much trouble with ICM covering the Yak-7/9  and Eduard the Yak-3. My only concern is where to find the Yak-7B and the Yak-9P as both of those will require some modifications. Since no suffix is given for the Yak-9 'white 3' it is possible that this isn't the long range version, so you cannot use the ICM kits as they are all for the long range versions with the cockpit moved back. It is possible that the Accurate Miniatures Yak-1 kit could be used as a basis for the second Yak-7B. I had also thought that all 7Bs had the cut down rear fuselage, but I guess not. I also found it nice that the various colors were given the Soviet AMT colors, but after reading the book on Soviet fighter colors, I'm not sure that the green and black ones used AMT colors as it stated that the AII colors were frequently utilized, especially early in the production run. I'm also not sure just who does accurate Soviet colors since the subject has only recently become an area of study. I'd say that the builder needs to do quite a bit of research if complete accuracy is required.

Anyway, first up is a Yak-7B, yellow 3, with the old style rear fuselage. It is from 1942-43 in black and green over light blue. A very colorful plane.

Next up is a Yak-3 from winter of 1944 and it is in the later AMT 11/12 greys scheme. All Soviet fighters used basically the same shade of blue for the undersides.

White 45 is a Yak-7B with the cut down rear fuselage and the black/green camo scheme. From the look of things, both of the Yak-7s were built  at Novosibirsk as they have the same camo pattern used by that factory.

Next up is a Yak-9P. This is a post-war aircraft and basically an all metal version of the Yak-9U. Where to find a Yak-9P kit is beyond me unless one is done in resin. Too bad as it has a nice scheme. It is possible that the aircraft shown is supposed to be a Yak-9U, but still, it begs the question of where to find a kit or conversion set.

Finally, a regular Yak-9. If it is an early production version, as noted by not having a suffix, then it should probably be in the green/black scheme. No mass marketed kit is available for an early Yak-9 in 1/48 that I know of. All the ICM Yak-9s seem to be the later long range variants. If a later version, then the drawing is in error and the cockpit too far forward. Since it is listed as a 1943 plane, it is possible that it is supposed to be a Yak-1M and not a Yak-9. I suggest doing some research in the references to get more info before plunging into these builds just to make sure that all is copasetic as there is obviously some conflict. Conversely, you can just say 'screw it' and do it as you want! :o)

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