Brengun 1/72 Zlin Z-50L/LA/LS Aftermarket
By Matt Bittner
Naturally any model kit can be improved upon, be it with your own scratch built parts or with aftermarket that is catered to the specific kit. When a company not only releases complete models but also provides aftermarket for a number of kits that same company will tend to release their own aftermarket to cater to their own kit. This is definitely the case with the Brengun 1/72 Zlin Z-50L/LA/LS. At the same time the kit was released Brengun released three aftermarket sets for it.
Complete masks to re-create some of the more complex paint schemes | |
Photoetch set | |
Vacuum-formed canopy |
The photoetch set consists of a multi-piece, replacement instrument panel with instrument dial film; replacement rudder pedals; an extra "box" for between the seat and the rear bulkhead; replacement and additional items for the sidewalls; a handle for the canopy; a replacement tail wheel strut; a replacement for the entire, main landing gear (with other pieces to build on top of it); additional items for the spatted wheels; control cables and horns for the control surfaces; and what I think are wingtip "vortex generators".
My concern lies in the photoetch landing gear replacements, especially the tail wheel strut. While Brengun has used a stronger material for the main landing gear leg (and it is a single piece) the tail wheel strut is the same material as the other photoetch and could easily bend under stress. It's my opinion that if I were to use the photoetch landing gear – especially the tail wheel strut – then I will mount the finished model permanently on a base. That way none of the photoetch landing gear can be bent out of shape as the model is handled; instead any handling will take place on the base.
All three aftermarket sets will definitely help to improve the kit. The only thing missing, unfortunately, are masks for the canopy. However, since there isn't a lot of framing on either the injected plastic or vacuum-formed canopy masking won't be difficult.
Huge thanks to Brengun for supplying these sets with the review model.