AMK 1/48 L-29 'Delfin', previewed by Scott Van Aken

The Aero L-29 Delfín (English: Dolphin, NATO reporting name: Maya) is a military jet trainer aircraft that became the standard jet trainer for the air forces of Warsaw Pact nations in the 1960s. It was Czechoslovakia's first locally designed and built jet aircraft.

In the late 1950s, the Soviet Air Force was seeking a jet-powered replacement for its fleet of piston-engined trainers, and this requirement was soon broadened to finding a trainer aircraft that could be adopted in common by Eastern Bloc air forces. Aero's response, the prototype XL-29 designed by Z. Rublič and K. Tomáš first flew on 5 April 1959, powered by a British Bristol Siddeley Viper engine. The second prototype was powered by the Czech-designed M701 engine, which was used in all subsequent aircraft.

The basic design concept was to produce a straightforward, easy-to-build and operate aircraft. Simplicity and ruggedness were stressed with manual flight controls, large flaps and the incorporation of perforated airbrakes on the fuselage sides providing stable and docile flight characteristics, leading to an enviable safety record for the type. The sturdy L-29 was able to operate from grass, sand or unprepared fields. Both student pilot and instructor had ejection seats, and were positioned in tandem, under separate canopies with a slightly raised instructor position.

In 1961, the L-29 was evaluated against the PZL TS-11 Iskra and Yakovlev Yak-30 and emerged the winner. Poland chose to pursue the development of the TS-11 Iskra anyway, but all other Warsaw Pact countries adopted the Delfin under the agreements of COMECON.

Production began April 1963 and continued for 11 years, with 3,600 eventually built until 1974. A dedicated, single-seat, aerobatic version was developed as the L-29A Akrobat. A reconnaissance version with nose-mounted cameras was built as the L-29R.

The L-29 was operated by literally dozens of air forces and is still equipping a handful. A considerable number are being operated as warbirds.

THE KIT

I am not sure with whom AMK is associated or if it is a start-up company, but it is made in China and the company itself is based in Macau. The molding on the kit is first rate with the now to be expected engraved detailing and plethora of sunken rivets/screws. I found absolutely no molding glitches, not even ejector pin marks inside gear doors.

The kit includes a photo etch fret that interestingly, does not include a set of seat harnesses. These bits are for the belly antennas, speed brake hinges, and the detail inside the flap housings on the wing. Clear parts are very clear and include things like landing lights and the blast shield in between the front and rear seats. I like that the canopy sections include the framework, something a few new kits have done separately.

Cockpit s well appointed with two nicely done bang seats, separate control sticks, the ejection rails for the seats, raised console decals and decals that provide dial detail for the two instrument panels. The kit offers a nose cover that can be built open to show the various electronics and pressure bottles stored there. No intake trunking is provided but there is a full exhaust section that includes the final compressor face.

Flaps can be molded open or closed with, as mentioned, etched brass detail for the inside of the flap wells. Both the main and nose gea

r wells are nicely detailed with the nose gear well being part of the nose detail assembly. I like that for the main gear, the wheels and tires are separate parts, making painting much easier. While the ailerons are fixed in place, the elevator and rudder pieces are separate. Speed brakes can be posed open or closed. You can also pose the two canopies open or closed as you so wish. They are very clear so any detail in the cockpit will be easily seen. Two drop tanks are provided for under the wings. AMK has already opened the holes for these so if you choose not to use them, you will need to fill these holes.

Instructions are very nicely done and in full color. The paint information is in Gunze and where applicable, FS 595 references. Markings are provided for seven aircraft in a variety of camouflage and markings schemes. Two are Czech, with one each for Russia, Slovakia, East Germany, Iraq and Indonesia. The decals are superbly printed, crisp, and very colorful. I anticipate an aftermarket sheet or two on this plane since they did fly with so many nations.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior to the release of this kit, the only other L-29 of which I am aware in this scale was the resin version from Planet Models. This one looks like a beauty and while I'm not sure what else is coming down the pike aside from their Kfir, I think most folks will be quite pleased. I've been in a 'trainer' mode recently so you can be sure that you'll see this one built shortly. In fact, here is a link to the build article.

REFERENCES

KIT #:	amk88002
PRICE:	$40.95 SRP
DECALS:	Seven options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	New tool kit