The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance, jet trainer aircraft developed in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s to replace the L-29 Delfín. It was the first turbofan trainer produced, and was later updated as the L-59 Super Albatros. The design is still produced in an evolved state as the L-159, while more than 2,800 L-39s still serve with over 30 air forces around the world. The Albatros is versatile, seeing duty in light attack missions as well as basic and advanced pilot training, and is the most widely-used jet trainer in the world.

While newer versions are now replacing older L-39s in service, thousands remain in active service as trainers, and many are finding new homes with private owners all over the world. This is particularly evident in the United States, where their $200,000-$300,000 price puts them in range of moderately wealthy pilots looking for a fast, agile personal jet. Their popularity has led to a purely L-39 'Jet Unlimited' class at the Reno Air Races. As of mid-March 2006, there are 257 L-39s in the US Federal Aviation register.

Molded in a light grey plastic, the detailing is engraved and quite nicely done. Some might think it a bit overdone for this scale, but really, they couldn't do it much lighter and still have it present. Many parts that would normally be several pieces are one-piece in this scale, and that includes a one piece wing, tail planes and drop tanks among them. The L-39 basically had all the gear doors closed when on the ground aside from some very small ones to put over the openings the gear fit into. These have not been duplicated on the nose, but the additional main gear doors are present.

I found some sink areas but all were on the back side of things so won't be seen. The kit has nice interiors for this scale and provides both the single and two seat options for the V and ZA variants respectively. Same goes for the under fuselage gun as they are different for the two types. You also get a nice set of wing pylons and some rocket pods/fuel tanks/Sidewinders to fit there depending on the version you are doing. There is a load-out chart included to help in this area as well as dimensions to be sure you have them on the right place on the wing as there are no wing marks to help out in this regard.

Instructions are well done with a parts layout, several construction sequence drawings (with detail drawings where needed) and several pages of decal/painting guide. Colors are generic and Humbrol references. Only one of the markings options are listed as a 'V' version, so I'm left to assume that the other camouflaged versions are 'ZA' aircraft. Markings are for a Czech, German, Bulgarian (old markings), Nigerian and Syrian aircraft. I think the Syrian one is actually Egyptian as I seem to recall Syria having some green in the roundel. The only non-camouflaged option is the German one in white with large yellow bands. The decals are very nicely done, crisp and in register. My previous experience with them has been very positive.

A very nice little kit of one of the neater looking aircraft flying today. The ability to do several versions is a big plus and this one should look great on your shelves. One thing for sure, it won't take up much space!

Wikipedia

August 2006

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