Author Topic: Russian La-7 (Read 3529 times)

Pat Johnston · « **on:** March 14, 2011, 07:37:08 AM »

Here is the latest design out of the Skunk Works, Idaho Division. The Lavochkin La-7 makes for a pretty little stunter with nice lines overall. A radial engine and mostly round fusealge, I used the ACAD Ellipse function to project transitions from partially flat sides to very nice round tops and bottoms of the fuselage formers. The size of this one will be for 40-51 engines. The airfoil is a little bit of a departure, using the front end on an ellipse back to the 20% high point, transitioning back to the trailing edge in a straight line. The root is 17% thick and the tip is a little bit thinner at 16%. The wingtips will make for a lower drag profile which may help in turbulence. Dihedral will only need to be about 1/2".
Pat Johnston
Design Studios
Skunk Works.

Steve Fitton · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2011, 09:07:51 AM »

That will be a very cool design! I like it!

Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2011, 10:36:50 AM »

Pat....you have got to slow down man! Your designing planes faster than the guys can choose....your creating a building vacuum!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2011, 11:45:44 AM »

Seems to be a bit of a frenzy for a while now with new designs and offerings from various producers. This is a great problem to have, but construction is falling further and further behind here at the "Aeroworks". I really love to design and scratchbuild but I'm having trouble getting any of that done anymore, too many cool new kits!

How 'bout a Mig-3?

proparc · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2011, 12:16:25 PM »

Definitely your best one yet.

Chris Edinger · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2011, 04:06:35 PM »

well... Pat.. you continue to out do your self... I really like the design... and I to am having trouble deciding..."which one".... oh what the heck. I'll just build them all.... Provided I live long enough.... LOL... and yes... what about the Yak 3... would be another great design in your hands..

Chris

dennis lipsett · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2011, 07:20:40 PM »

This is a winner and so is the Jug, Now if only J Brodak would kit them. Even better is kit them while i'm still alive. It is taking a long time to get a new design from him. we got spoiled at the rate he used to introduce kits.

Chris Edinger · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2011, 04:32:36 PM »

Pat..

Whoops... I meant the MIG 3..... LOL.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #8 on:** March 15, 2011, 09:20:02 PM »

I am afraid he is going to have a burn out. Needs to get to building his own plane designs.

Pat Johnston · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2011, 07:48:03 AM »

You may be right, Doc. At least I am making good progress on the Mako Jet. Might be flying it in a week or so.
As for the Mig 3, that would be another consideration, but I'm leaning towards a Japanese "Tony", next. My buddy, Gordon Delaney, did on a few years ago and it was wonderful. His was well into the 700 inch range, while mine will be more like the 560-570 inch size for 40-51's. That will be another fun one.
Pat Johnston
Not Smoldering Yet
Skunk Works

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2011, 10:34:45 AM »

Pat,
that of course is one of my other fav WW2 fighters. Its second behind the 109. Always wanted to do a model of it, of course I am thinking 640 inches, but I know a CAD guy that could scale your plans up to the size I want lol,,
He works pretty reasonable too,,

John Miller · « **Reply #11 on:** March 16, 2011, 04:13:45 PM »

Gordan had me scale his to 650 a few years ago. I think we also shrunk it to 570.

Bill Little · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2011, 04:28:36 PM »

Great work, Pat.

The KI-61 Tony was my first "scratch built" big stunter I did back in 1971 form Hobby Helpers. Frank Warburton's design. I also have plans form a Japanese designer, about a 56"-58" WS and very "scaleish" but can't remember who it was.

The *Tony* is my "most favorite" non American WWII fighter. I have been toying with the idea of drawing one for use with the Brodak Warbird (shrunk '57 GB Nobler) wing. Vince Micchia did a profile in the series of designs that were kitted (with mods) by Midwest.

Unfortunately, with my ".60 size" *Brazilian* P-47 and ".51 size" F-4-F from you on the table, I can't even "think" of another model right now! LOL!! (and I am loving the P-47 more and more each day!)

Big Bear

Howard Rush · « **Reply #13 on:** March 16, 2011, 05:22:34 PM »

Pat is keeping me busy, too.

Bill Little · « **Reply #14 on:** March 16, 2011, 05:35:34 PM »

I wasn't aware that Pat did much design work on Impacts..........

dennis lipsett · « **Reply #15 on:** March 16, 2011, 10:32:01 PM »

Pat,
I don't think that we can have enough KI-61 models. The Tony is a favorite of mine. But I'd also recommend the Fiat G-55, it kind of looks like a ME109 but looks better.or an MC-2000. The Italians did have some very clean looking planes. Also liked the looks of the Caudron D-520. If your not partial to French insignia you can make them German as the nazis repainted them and used them when France fell.
We need to expand our range of available aircraft. Glad that your doing the LA-7 and a Mig-3 would be one neat sort of Bendix/Thompson Trophy looking type fighter.Could also consider the Stormovik.
Too many planes and not enough time.
Dennis

wwwarbird · « **Reply #16 on:** March 16, 2011, 10:43:00 PM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on March 16, 2011, 10:34:45 AM

Pat,
that of course is one of my other fav WW2 fighters. Its second behind the 109. Always wanted to do a model of it, of course I am thinking 640 inches, but I know a CAD guy that could scale your plans up to the size I want lol,,
He works pretty reasonable too,,

Hey Mark, there's an idea, you should build a 109!

Pat Johnston · « **Reply #17 on:** March 17, 2011, 07:54:26 AM »

Nice one WW. I have seen Mark's 109 in the primer. Gonna be a great looking plane. Just waiting on a spinner from the G-man. To do it right a specially shaped spinner needs to be turned.
Here is a thought for a twin I have done some years ago, the Russian PE-2. Absolutely a beautiful plane. Looks like an alternate design from the DH Mosquito design group. Mine was about 650 squares for a couple of 25's.
Pat Johnston
Skunk Works

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #18 on:** March 17, 2011, 09:54:29 AM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on March 16, 2011, 10:43:00 PM

Hey Mark, there's an idea, you should build a 109!

geesh,, All a guy does is let it sit for a little while, just so the primer gasses off mind you, and you get gang tackled!
Its almost like you guys are insinuating that I havent worked on it for a couple years or some nonsense,, I mean really,,

Oh wait, it has been a couple years huh,, DANG,,,
maybe by the regionals,, need to finish up the Electra Jet first,, then its on to the 109,, Paint is mixed,, I have my colors. G-man promised my spinner next week, Its getting closer,,
Thanks Pat,, It is gonna look kinda cool huh!

Pat Johnston · « **Reply #19 on:** March 17, 2011, 01:04:00 PM »

The 109 will almost give the Spitfire a good run for its money!
Here are the plans to the La-7! Finally!
Pat Johnston
Skunk Works

john e. holliday · « **Reply #20 on:** March 17, 2011, 03:22:37 PM »

Hey Mark, don't let them rush you. It takes time and patience for a great finish as you well know.