1/48 Planet Models L-29 Delfin

by Martin Decarli

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Czech Republic National Day 2004  

 

The L-29 Delfin is one of great achievements of Czech aviation industry. Designed in the 1950s and produced in the 1960s, Delfin became the most produced jet trainer ever. And with last decades‘ trend for more and more sophisticated and expensive fighter aircraft (which means smaller number of more capable fighters which in turn means less pilots which means less training aircraft), Delfin’s record is unlikely to be broken. 

Delfin served with airforces of former communist bloc from Cuba to  Egypt to Russia to Vietnam. More than twenty Air forces were or are using Delfin.

Its successor, L-39 Albatros, while also widely exported in 1970s and 1980s, could not match the success of Delfin. 

These days, L-29 is very popular with private owners due to its easy maintenance and excellent handling qualities.

Click on images below to see larger images

The resin model is made by Planet Models.  The model looks very good in the box, rich in detail with great looking surface, but while building the kit, I found that the model has more than its fair share of 'issues'.

But after investing some time and skills into making this kit, when seeing the result, I do not regret I started what I call 'unpleasant build'. 

Happy Modelling,

Martin

Photos and text © by Martin Decarli