Czech Master Resin 1/72 Let L-13 Blaník By Chris Banyai-Riepl

Overview

Distinctive with its forward-swept wings, the Let L-13 Blaník glider can be found all over the world, in glider clubs and military schools alike, and is the most widely used glider trainer in the world. First flown in 1958, the L-13 began a long line of glider aircraft for Let, with the type being resurrected recently with the new L-13 AC, which combines the best of the original L-13 with the newer L-23 to create a glider well suited for aerobatics. The solid design and excellent handling characteristics guarantee that the L-13 Blaník will be around for many years to come.

The Kit

While this is not a new kit for Czech Master Resin, they have redone it with their new process, utilizing better resin and vacuum technology, which results in a much nicer kit. In addition to this, a decal sheet is now included, with several colorful options. The kit features recessed panel lines throughout, a detailed interior, and two vacuformed canopies.

The interior is simple, but nicely detailed, just like the original. There are two seats, different control sticks for the front and rear cockpits, two instrument panels, and separate instrument hoods. Some careful painting will result in a very nice looking cockpit, all the better as the large canopy will reveal everything underneath.

Once the interior is done, the remaining construction should take little more than ten minutes. The graceful wings are cast as solid right and left pieces, with a butt joint to the fuselage. Due to the length of the wings, it is probably advisable to add some wire pins for added strength. The horizontal stabilizers are also solid right and left pieces. Also molded separately is the rudder. Two options for the rear tailwheel/tailskid are included, and the front fuselage wheel is also provided separately.

For decal options, the kit comes with four choices. The first example is from Germany, D-9208. This plane features red trim on an overall white airframe. The second option is from Switzerland, HB-942, and is overall silver with red and black trim and a red tail band with white cross. Hopping across the Atlantic, the third choice is for an American Blaník, N14RB, also in overall silver, but this time with blue trim. The tail features red, white and blue markings. The final option is a military one, from the RAF Air Training Corps. Also overall silver, it has blue trim, with two red bands around the fuselage. The decals are printed by MPD and are nicely done.

Conclusion

Glider kits are few and far between, which is a pity as they are very attractive aircraft. Czech Master Resin has done an outstanding job in capturing the look of the L-13 Blaník, and this would look great parked next to just about anything.