Zlin-50M - almost done.

[Adam the Akrodude]

Already posted in the "Photos" area, but I've relocated here. The Zlin-50 is a wicked little Czech akro bird. This is the lower powered Avia "M" version. The Lycoming powered "L" version is a much better performer, but I think the Avia powered "M" version looks cooler with it's longer nose.

It's about 98% finished. Not an easy model to make, but the surface scribing is amazing. If I had any talent, I'd vac form a new canopy as the kit one is too thick and wrong shape (too "balloony"). Stupidly drilled the holes under the nose for the exhausts on the wrong side thanks to the incorrect instructions - d'oop! I should have referred to the photos before drilling. Holes re-drilled, old holes bogged, just awaiting repainting under the nose. I have to scratch build the aerobatic sights for the wing tips as well - from stretched sprue perhaps.

I've added a little scratch built detail to the cockpit (minor) and split the tail features showing elevator sagging. It's finished with Gunze red underneath (should have used gloss as the matt darkened a lot when gloss coat applied - crap!). Tamiya rattle can silver used for upper surface which worked a treat.

[Nillus]

Damn that's a purty birdy.

Really like the way you've put the elevators in the nose down position.
Gives the bird a 'just flown' dynamic look.

[Adam the Akrodude]

Yeah, I love the look of the Zlin-50. Always wanted to have a fly of one too. I don't believe any have made it to our fair land. Zlins are funny birds in that the wing is life'd. Once time is up, it goes on the scrap heap. It's often not financially viable or even possible to get a new wing. This is why there aren't too many Zlin-50's flying anymore.
I got endorsed and was flying a Zlin-242 (like a Czech CT-4, but better) for awhile and the same thing happened to this bird. Wing time-expired and not financially viable to get a new wing (so I was told by the owner/operator). Yak-52's are the same I believe, but these are a little better off, as they are still in production in Romania, so not such an issue getting new wings and components. I was told once that the Yak-50's used in Unlimited competition back in the 70's and 80's had a wing life of 150 hours before being junked.

[tor lives]

Very Sierra Hotel!!!
Adam, you are fast becoming the master of the Acrobatic-type modelling genera, (not to mention F-105s Thuds and A-1 Sandys).
Your work is really inspirational and exciting.
Ray
PS: what scale is she....or did I miss that somewhere.

[Adam the Akrodude]

Very Sierra Hotel!!!
Adam, you are fast becoming the master of the Acrobatic-type modelling genera, (not to mention F-105s Thuds and A-1 Sandys).
Your work is really inspirational and exciting.
Ray
PS: what scale is she....or did I miss that somewhere.

Oh, 1/48th - so not as tiny as your Suk. It will look cool parked next to your Edge 540 - pending available ramp space!

[hrtpaul]

Very cool mate

[Knotty]

Very nice Adam .

[Michel]

Great job Adam, looks pretty good