Zlin Z-242L

AZ Model, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark J. Davies

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

According to Wikipedia:“The Zlin Z 42 is a single-engine two-seat Czechoslovakian trainer aircraft manufactured by Moravan Otrokovice. A developed version, the Z 142, is the most popular aircraft variant in the manufacturer's aircraft line.” It goes on to explain that the Z-242 is the version which uses a four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Lycoming IO-36 engine and is immediately distinguishable by its relatively wide cowling compared to previous models with in-line engines.

AZ Model is produced by Legato of the Czech Republic. Legato will be known to some for their range of sometimes unusual and rare subjects in resin kit form.  AZ Models have recently been prolific with new releases mainly consisting of inter-war types and Czech light aircraft.

This kit consists of a quite cleanly moulded sprue of limited run parts mainly for the airframe. Two propellers are included, the one with the spinner applying to this version. Surface detail is achieved with recessed panel lines that are quite fine. Typically for this type of kit there are no locating lugs; but who needs them anyway? The tiny propeller consists of three blades and a spinner without holes or location marks for the blades. As such care and a simple jig are likely to be required.

• 
• 
• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

The engine cowl is nicely cast in resin and the remaining resin parts cater for the three spatted wheels (which means the three styrene wheels can go in your spares box). The resin parts are on what look to be very easily removable casting blocks.

A small PE fret provides seat belts, flap linkages, aerials, trim tabs and an instrument panel complete with photo-film for instruments.

Two vac-form canopies are supplied. They are generally well formed and should prove simple to fit.

This is the military boxing of AZ Models Z-242L, so decals for four military schemes round the package out. These cover the Mexican Navy and the air forces of Croatia, Peru and Yemen. The Mexican scheme is particularly eye-catching. The decals look to be well registered with good colour density.

The aircraft history is in Czech only. The instruction sheet has a parts map, and the assembly diagram is concise and quite adequate for the task. Interior colour call-outs are in Czech.

The resin and PE parts each have their own zip-lock bag and the all parts and decals are sealed in a larger zip-lock bag. The box has nice artwork on the front and coloured painting guide on the back with decal locations indicated. Colour call-outs are in English, but these are generic (i.e. olive-green, light-earth, red etc).

I recommend this kit to light aircraft fans, or anyone who wants an attractive and different subject in their collection.

Thanks to AZ Models for this review sample.

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Mark Davies
Page Created 16 December, 2008
Last updated 16 December, 2008

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page