Z-526AFS Akrobat

Weekend Edition, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Zlin Z-526 Akrobat is a Czech sports plane used in aerobatics.

The Z-526 was originally designed by Zlin Aircraft in 1959. The Z-526AFS is the single-seat aerobatic version of the two-seat Zlin Trener-Master family.

The Z 526's layout was originally organised with the pilot in the rear and the student in front. The aircraft could also be equipped with tip tanks and a constant speed propeller.

The Z-526F was introduced in 1968 and was equipped with a 135 kW (180 hp) Avia M 137A engine, the export version Z-526L differing by being equipped with a 150 kW (200 hp) Lycoming AEIO-360 flat-four.

Single-seat versions of the family include the Z-526A, Z-526AS, and the Z-526AFS.

The Z-526 AFM was built between 1981 and 1984 and was powered by a 155 kW (210 hp) Avia M337 engine, had tip tanks and a lengthened fuselage.

The aircraft was later developed into the Zlin Z-726. More than 1,400 Z-526s were manufactured, many for military and private flying schools

Edited from Wikipedia

Eduard extended their Zlin Trener family to include the single-seater Akrobat earlier this year. That release was in the ProfiPACK edition with colour photo-etched detail parts and self-adhesive canopy masks.

This time around Eduard is offering us the cut-price Weekend Edition without the etch and masks. Fear not though, detail is still very good and the four marking options are very attractive.

Eduard's 1/48 scale Z-526AFS Akrobat Weekend Edition comprises 103 parts in grey plastic (seven marked not for use), 21 clear parts (12 parts marked not for use), one colour photo-etched fret, canopy and wheel masks, decals for five marking options and a 16-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. 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.

Other options include a fairing for the tail skid, two styles of wing tip tanks (or none at all), and a small circular access hatch on the lower port side empennage.

Markings:

Four colourful marking options are supplied on a large decal sheet.

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

Stencil markings are included on a separate sheet.

A small errata sheet is also included.

Eduard has brought us a lovely kit of this weekend warrior.

The sleek lines of the Z-52AFS Akrobat aerobatic aircraft will be shown off to maximum effect with any of the four colourful schemes included.

Even in this Weekend Edition guise without photo-etch, detail is still impressive.

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-526AFS Akrobat

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2022 by Brett Green
Page Created 26 July, 2022
Last updated 26 July, 2022

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