We got our first look here in Austin, Tx. at the new Gavia 1/48 Lavochkin La-7 kit today. Overall I think it deserves a very high rating, and matches well in quality to the latest offerings from Eduard. (In fact, the surface detail on this model is very similarto that of the Eduard P-39.) Cockpit: This is probably the simplest part of the kit. Floorboard is built into the underside of the wing, seat is nice, rudder pedals delicate, and radio deck very well detailed. There are some details missing from the cockpit sidewalls and the instrument panel is a bit spartan, but there is plenty here with which to work. Surface Detail: Exquisite, as pointed out before. Correct restraint has been applied by Gavia to duplicate the utilitarian nature of the Russian WW2 fighter , yet fasteners, rivet lines, and vent inlets/outlets have been given due attention. Control surface trailing edges are a smidge thick, but easily addressed. Landing Gear: These are multiple part assemblies which include some very fine detail such as torque links and actuator rods. The modeler will be pleased with the relief provided by Gavia on the gear door interior surfaces. The wheels themselves include excellent hub detail, even if that detail is a bit shallow, and attachment points for wheels to gear and gear to wheel well are spindly. Care in assembly will be required here. The wheel wells are as nice as one would expect from a Tamiya offering, and only one of the many ways Gavia has blown Hobbycraft's old La-7 away. Details here are extensive and include separate cooling ducts as well as accurate relief and jewel-like inboard doors/actuators. Canopy: Looks good, and molded in three individual parts to allow modeler to show off the cockpit if desired. Maybe these parts are somewhat thicker and not as crystal clear as a Tamiya or Hasegawa example might be, but they certainly are good enough. Gavia has provided Eduardesque masks for the canopy, wheel hubs, and triangular red markings that appear on two aircraft examples from the kit decals. Decals: The color here looks good to my eye, as does the thickness. I have never used Gavia decals, so I should not comment too strongly here. These decals look very much like what you'd get in an Eduard kit. I am working from memory here, so please forgive me on the marking choices. I know one of them is for Ivan Kozedub's aircraft, and there is another example that appears to be from his unit (same red triangles on cowl. One more decal option is provided for a Czech version. Instructions: I looked over them quickly, so I should not comment. One thing that did attract my attention was the extensive detail and diagrams concerning the application of the various masks. The cowl masks have a page to themselves! I think this is an exciting new kit from Gavia. They have been turning my head with every new release since the PO-2, and I applaud them for honoring the Lavochkin La-7 as they have. The best manufacturers out there would have been proud of this kit in one of their very own boxes. -- No more time for laughter No more time for sorrow No more morning after 'Cause there's no tomorrow now We are standing on the edge --

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