Zlin 526F by Piotr Dmitruk (Aeroteam Conversion 1/72)

Aeroteam resin 1/72 scale conversion
Zlin 526F

by Piotr Dmitruk

Zlin 526F

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Background

The Zlin 526 Trener is a result of a the most successful series of Czech aeroplanes, which has been produced by the Moravan factory for over three decades. The base concept of the Zlin family was the Z-26 Trener, which was designed by a team of the factory employed airplane constructors led by Tomas Karel in 1946. Subsequent engine- and basic design modifications gave several new versions, until Zlin 726K model. During the Z-226 test flights it was discovered, that the type – beside being a good tug plane – has excellent aerobatic characteristics too, which led to developing special versions with increased performance. Altogether 1450 pieces has been built from the Zlin Tréner series, and they were exported into 37 countries.

Construction

“Aeroteam” produces resin kit of a Zlin 226. I was intended to build Zlin 526F from Polish aerobatic team “Zelazny”, piloted by team leader Lech Marchelewski, who died in fatal crash during an air show on September 1, 2007.

Those two versions differed in several details. I needed to replace fixed undercarriage with scratchbuilt retractable one, which also required making of new wheel wells in a one-piece wing. Thinning of thick wings trailing edge wasn’t easy task either. Engine cover and rudder was modified, and scratchbuilt propeller replaced the old one. New vacformed canopy was made, as well as cockpit interior and lots of external details.

Decals were designed by myself and printed on old OKI printer.

Conclusion

When I was in halfway through building this model, new kit of Zlin 526F from AZ Models appeared. Althought neither model is perfect, potential builders now have a better and easier opportunity to finish this attractive aircraft.

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