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Yak-1b "Red 47"
Lt. L.P. Savkin
3 GIAP VMF-KBF
ca. summer 1943
Camouflage Colors: AMT-4/-6/-7
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This aircraft is one of a line-up of attractive
3 GIAP KBF machines shown in a series of photographs that have been distributed
over the years. Examples from this series are located in Red Stars, Perviy
Yak, and even more in Skrzydla w Miniaturze magazine, no.2/91. "Red
47" is thought to belong to Lt. Savkin, while "24" (see below) might be the
personal aircraft of Lt. Kucherov.
These Yak-1s are all finished in a well known
1943 Saratov scheme that is quite 'retrocactive', in a sense (it is also commonly
known using the older AII lacquers). The upper/lower color demarcation is very
'old-fashioned', and no 'ramp' feature is present as would be expected at this
time. As well, there are two known upper surface patterns with this application,
and Savkin's aircraft is wearing the less interesting of the two. Also 'old-fashioned'
is the use of plain red stars and red tactical numerals without borders. Both
practices were decidedly unusual by this date.
"Red 47" wears plain red star type national
insignia in six positions, as shown. The spinner and rudder are painted white.
Yak-1b "Red 24"
Lt. I.P. Kucherov
3 GIAP VMF-KBF
ca. summer 1943
Camouflage Colors: AMT-4/-6/-7
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Another 3 GIAP KBF Yak-1b from the same photo
series (see above), "Red 24" was thought to belong to Lt. Kucherov during the
summer of 1943.
"24" demonstrates the alternate upper surface
pattern known on this Saratov application in classic form. It was true that
many of these more complex 'alternate' version patterns were completed in AII
Green and Black lacquers, but this aircraft is clearly wearing AMT paints. The
pattern along the fuselage sides was identical to the later versions of this
camouflage, as can be seen. In all other respects this aircraft is essentially
identical to Savkin's "Red 47".
"Red 24" wears plain red star type national
insignia in six positions, as shown. The spinner and rudder are painted white.