AZ model AZCZ34 Blanik L-13 glider
Blaník entered production in 1958 and quickly gained popularity as an inexpensive, rugged and durable type, which was easy to fly and operate. It was widely adopted in the Eastern bloc and was exported in large numbers to Western Europe and North America. Total production was in excess of 2650, or more than 3000 if variants are included. The Blanik glider is an all metal two seat glider easy to control and it is suitable for basic and advanced training since it is equipped for flying in clouds and for heights up to 8.000 meters, every single pilot that flew this glider like’s it. The Blanik has a semi-retractable landing gear, the wheel being embedded under the forward fuselage and a tail skid or a small tail wheel in later versions being fitted at the far rear. The Blanik glider was found in many clubs all over Europe namely Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Serbia and others. Nearly half a century after its first flight it is still the most common glider in the World and probably judging to this fact it is the most successful glider built. Generations of pilots gained their first wings flying this glider.
AZ model kit is beautifully molded in dark grey plastic. The box contains 19 plastic parts and one clear part for canopy that is injection molded. Small photo etched fret containing parts to be used inside the cockpit contains instrument panels, seat belts and rudder pedals. There is some flesh present as well as some sink marks but they are easy to clean. Level of details is just enough and panel lines are crisp, clean and just as they should be for this scale. Fuselage halves are separate parts and when I tested the fitting they fit well. I tested the wings fitting with fuselage and they also fit well giving the proper angle present on Blanik. Comparing the parts with available drawings shows that this kit is spot on in terms of accuracy. Canopy is nice clear with good transparency. Instruction sheet is printed in two pages A5 format and it is easy to follow. Decals are well printed and there should be no problem working with them.
Four different marking options printed on box are provided as follows:
- Czech aeroclub
- RAF
- DOSAAF USSR
- Japanese
This is nice kit, and I warmly recommend it to all modelers interested in a subject no matter how experienced they are. Kit is simple, would look great on a shelf and perhaps with a little effort it can be made to be a competition winner model.
Darko Mladenovic
Sample kit is provided by Jaroslav Osten from AZ Models
