AZ Model Tupolev Tu-134A 1/144

The Tupolev Tu-134 is a Soviet twin-engined airliner, similar to the American Dougla DC-9 and also the French Sud Aviation Caravelle. One of the most widely used aircraft in the former Warsaw Pact countries, its number in active service is decreasing because of noise restrictions. The model has seen long-term service with some 42 countries, with some European airlines having made very intense use of the 134. A total of 852 Tu-134s were built (of all versions, including research/test bed examples) with Aeroflot as the largest user; by 1995, the Tu-134 had carried 360 million passengers for that airline.

Tupolev Tu-134A, AZ model 14406

AZ model kit comes packed in a inspiring color art box showing an Interflug sample of Tu-134A, and with color and marking guide on the back side. All the parts of this interesting bird are located on a single sprue molded in white plastic. Panel lines are nice and crisp, and really beautifully engraved. Level of details is high enough, and just a little flash is present, especially on small parts like wheels landing gear. As I have seen perhaps the landing gear is the only part of this kit that should be upgraded, but it is not a problem at all. Maybe to some modelers a fact that there is no option to make kit with clear windows, could be annoying but I like my airliners like this. Small photoetched fret is provided with some essential parts like wing fences, antenna and fuselage strakes. Instruction sheet is printed on two double side A4 sheet and is easy to follow. However please note that if you want to make Interflug option ignore suggestion in assembling instructions to cut nose and radar bay and proceed working the kit out of the box, since it is easy to find on the web a picture of the particular Interflug sample. Two decal options are provided. First one is for Czehoslovakian airlines OK and the second is for Interflug sample. Decals are well printed, thin and in perfect register so as I have experienced so far no decal solvent is needed for AZ decals.

Comparing the kit to available photos and even one manual kit looks good to me. AZ model has done a really good work with this one, I will surely buy few more kits since there are most interesting liveries for this bird.

This kit is highly recommended!

Darko Mladenovic

Sample kit is provided by Jaroslav Osten from AZ Models