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Aero L-39 Albatros in 1/32 scale kit review & modelling report of the HPH kit by Meindert de Vreeze
The Czech Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance jet trainer aircraft that was developed as a successor to the Aero L-29 Delfin. Since its inception in the mid-1970s, it has been produced in large numbers for former Warsaw Pact countries and has proven to be an effective trainer. Additionally, many L-39 aircraft were sold to African countries and other nations abroad. The L-39 is capable of being fitted with armament for a ground attack role, which has expanded its versatility in combat situations. In fact, over 2,500 L-39s have been delivered to more than 30 air forces worldwide.
The "ZA" variant, which has been in production since 1976, is an upgraded L-39ZO that serves as an armed training and light attack aircraft. This variant is equipped with a GSh-23L 23 millimeter twin-barreled cannon attached in a conformal pod under the pilots' compartment, making it more suitable for ground attack missions. Moreover, outer pylons are wired to carry K-13 or R-60 air-to-air missiles, providing the aircraft with additional combat capabilities.
Main dimensions: Length: 12.13 m, Wingspan: 9.46 m, Height: 4.77 m.
Czech L-39 seen at an Air Show in The Netherlands by me.
Modelling report
CHECK OUT MY SCRAP PAGE WITH DRAWING FROM THE REAL L-39 MANUALS...
Look also at
the smaller 1/72 L-39 models here...
The HPH Model of the Aero L-39 ZA Albatros is a 1/32 scale model kit with resin parts. It was released in 2012.
There are many many resin parts, no
plastic parts. Painted etched metal is inside and also paint masks are
provided and even some colour chips for paint reference.
Decals are in this kit for 2 schemes:
(1) Czech AF camouflaged L-39 , 1999
with colours FS 14079 green, FS 14255 light green and FS 16440 light grey;
(2) Algerian AF , 623 Escadron coded
"NL-57" with camo colours FS 20777 earth, cream FS 23169 and blue-grey
FS 25256;
The schemes are presented on nice full colour drawings.
The kit looks very well researched
and is packed with details and the decals are very impressive as well.
The resin parts are all bagged in
a full box! They all need some work to remove their moulding stubs and
removal of thin resin flash.
WARNING:
saw resin only UNDER WATER and WEAR A FACE MASK!!!! RESIN Is DANGEROUS
STUFF!
Armament for the "L-39" ZA is also
in this kit with bombs, gun fairing and their pylons.
The fuselage is in four main parts
and looks a bit difficult to get assembled. We will find out!
TIP: the HPH L-39 kit instructions can be downloaded from their website here.....
I started with airbrushed some basic
grey paint as primer, e.g. on the etched metal.
Some other parts also got a first
base grey coat.
The fuselage halves are large and
need some sanding and removal of hatches and clearing of gaps. The optional
pilot cockpit entry steps are nice and were opened up.
The nose moulding gate needs removal:
as well as some internal moulding
stubs....
This can all be done with sand paper
and a saw. Use PLENTY of water and a face mask for your health protection!
The edges between rear and forward
fuselage parts need cutting off as well.
For some external detail of the airframe, some etched metal needs parts are used that need bending. The tub requires removal of some areas on the base in order to fit the (optional) internal entry step bays.
The cockpit has loads of detail.
.
References:
- Albatros in detail, WWP Wing and Wheels, Present Aircraft Line No5;
SCRAP PAGE WITH DRAWING FROM THE REAL L-39 MANUALS...
IPMS NL L-39 walkaround
Internet:
- http://l39.com/
(c) Copyright Meindert "designer"/ All rights reserved. Your comments are welcomed by webmaster
Created this page
April 17, 2014