Z-326 / C-305 Trener Master

Eduard ProfiPACK, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Zlin Z 326 Trener Master is a single-engine two-seat trainer aircraft with retractable landing gear produced by the Czechoslovak manufacturer Moravan Otrokovice (today ZLIN Aircraft Otrokovice, Czech Republic).

The Z 326 is capable of aerobatics and often also used to tow sail planes.

It is a member of the Zlin Trener family (Z 26, Z 126, Z 226, Z 326, Z 526, Z 726).

The Zlin Z 326 is a development of the Zlin Z 226 with increased wing span and a retractable landing gear.

Eduard has recently expanded their 1/48 scale Zlin family with a ProfiPACK boxing of the Z-326 / C-305 Trener Master kit.

This model features the extended wing span and the retractable undercarriage of the rear thing.

Eduard's 1/48 scale Z-326 Trener Master comprises 166 parts in grey plastic (57 parts marked not for use plus many more unused options), 21 clear plastic parts (13 parts marked not for use), one colour photo-etched fret, canopy and wheel masks, decals for six marking options and an 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.

Optional wing tip tanks are included.

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

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:

Six colourful marking options are supplied on a single decal sheet.

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

Stencil markings are included on the main sheets.

Eduard's 1/48 scale Zlin Z-326 Trener Master is a gorgeous little model.

From reports in the field, Eduard's Zlin kits are a fast and accurately fitting build.

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-326 Trener.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2023 by Brett Green
Page Created 14 September, 2023
Last updated 14 September, 2023

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