Z-126 Trener
Limited Edition Dual Combo

Eduard, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Zlín Z-126 Trenér II is a Czechoslovak multipurpose aircraft . It was developed by Karel Tomaš in the early 1950s to replace the Z-26. It served as a training aircraft, for glider tug and as an aerobatic aeroplane.

In contrast to the Z-26, the wings and fuselage had been changed slightly and the instrumentation improved. All Z-126 had fabric-covered ailerons. The Walter Minor 4 III engine was retained.

The prototype flew for the first time in 1953.

Series production started that same year in Otrokovice and comprised 168 machines.

The Z-126 was used both civilly and militarily and was also exported. It flew with the ?SR Air Force under the designation C-105.

Adapted from Second Wiki

Eduard has released a Limited Edition Dual Combo boxing of their Zlin Z-126 Trener kit with parts for two complete models in the box.

Eduard's 1/48 scale Z-126 Trener Limited Edition Dual Combo comprises 206 parts in grey plastic (14 marked not for use), 44 clear parts (24 parts marked not for use), two colour photo-etched frets, canopy and wheel masks, decals for a whopping ten marking options and a 22-page colour instruction booklet.

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Thumbnail panels:

The quality of the plastic is excellent, with the facing surfaces on most parts being satin in texture but some being quite glossy. Sprue attachment points are fine.

The fabric fuselage and the metal wings of this type allow Eduard to show off their skills in surface texture. The stretched fabric effect and rib tapes are very convincing, while the recessed panel lines and rivets are crisp, fine and consistent.

Assembly starts with the cockpit, which benefits from colour photo-etched parts for the sidewalls, switches, harness straps, instrument panel and more. Alternative photo-etched parts are supplied for each of the ten options so make sure you decide which scheme you want early in the building process.

Different cockpit colors apply depending on which marking option you choose too.

Optional squab and backrest cushions are offered for the pilot's seat.

The cockpit floor is trapped between the two main fuselage half parts. Various braces representing framing of the cockpit are included. The nose is a separate sub-assembly with an insert offering some cylinder detail that might be glimpsed through the front opening when the model is complete.

A wing spar is also offered to ensure a robust fit and correct dihedral for the wing halves.

The wings are supplied in four pieces - upper and lower, port and starboard halves.

Flaps, ailerons, elevators and rudder are all separate parts and may be posed to taste.

The canopy and windscreen are separte parts. The canopy may be posed open or closed.

Many, many options are included. There are two subtly different wing and sprue sprues, plus variations of side and front engine cowlings, propellers, instrument panels and more for at least four major variants. All of the options are noted in the instructions - just make sure you choose your preferred marking scheme before you start gluing parts together!

Markings:

Ten colourful marking options are supplied on two decal sheets.

The decal sheets looks good with saturated colours and perfect registration.

Stencil markings are included on the main sheets.

This 1/48 scale Zlin Z-126 Trener is a gorgeous little model and it is great that Eduard has delivered two of them in one box. There are so many attractive schemes that being able to choose two schemes instead of just one will be very welcome.

From reports in the field, the model is a fast and accurately fitting build, so you could even finish both models in a single session.

If you are feeling a bit war weary at the moment, you might consider this civilian sorbet to freshen your palate.

I am very impressed with Eduard's 1/48 scale Z-126 Trener.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2022 by Brett Green
Page Created 7 April, 2022
Last updated 7 April, 2022

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