| Date of Review |
October 2006 |
| Manufacturer |
Attack Hobby Kits |
| Subject |
L-39ZA Albatros |
| Scale |
1/144 |
| Kit Number |
14409 |
| Primary Media |
Styrene |
| Detail Media |
Styrene |
| Clear Media |
Styrene |
| Pros |
Nice detailing |
| Cons |
|
| Skill Level |
Basic |
| MSRP (USD) |
$6.01 |
Background
Aero Vodochody is the premiere aircraft works of the former Czechoslovakia.
During that country's membership in the former Warsaw Pact, Aero
produced the workhorse trainer used throughout the Warsaw Pact
and exported to many other countries as well - the L-29 Delfin.
The 1970s rolled in with a variety of new trainers including the
British Hawk, the joint French/German Alphajet, and the stillborn
US T-46. While the Hawk has seen the greatest acceptance of the
three listed, the clear winner by a landslide was the Czech L-39.
The L-39 Albatros was introduced in the mid 1970s and was adopted
as the primary trainer throughout the Warsaw Pact, replacing the
aging L-29, but unlike the L-29, the L-39 saw far more success
in export sales, entering service well outside the Warsaw Pact.
The aircraft is still in service today and has become the jet warbird
of choice as well due to the same reasons it was adopted for the
training role - low operating and maintenance costs.
The Kit
The Attack Hobby Kits' 1/144 L-39ZA Albatros kit is molded in
light gray styrene and features some beautifully cast details throughout
the kit. While not a complex kit, it will become quickly obvious
just how much detail is present once the completed model has been
weathered.
As with the full-scale aircraft, the kit offers an optional
set of external fuel tanks, K-13 Atoll missiles for underwing
stores and a centerline gunpack.
Despite its petite
scale though, this kit features some nice details that will look
great after assembly. This should be quick and painless
with the majority of time will be spent cleaning up the tree attachment
points, and these are minimal.
Markings are provided for five examples:
- L-39ZA Albatros, 2418, Czech Air Force
- L-39V Albatros, 24+49, German Air Force
- L-39ZA Albatros, Syrian Air Force
- L-39ZA Albatros, 835, Bulgarian Air Force
- L-39ZA Albatros, 354, NigerianAir Force
Conclusion
This is a nice little kit that will go together quickly. By the
way, did you notice the retail price (from Hobbyshop.cz)?
You can't beat these prices. Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Hobbyshop.cz for
this review sample!
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