Zlín Z-50LX

Information about Plastic Model Kit

Model kit:	Zlín Z-50LX
Finished:	2011
Manufacturer:	AZ model
Camouflage version:	Red Bull - Flying Bulls
Scale:	1/48
Number of parts:	55
Accessories:	photo etched parts included in the kit
Size of the model:	5.5 inches x 7.1 inches (14 cm x 18 cm)
Difficulty:
Quality of the model kit:
Brief description of the model kit:	This type of kit in 1/48 scale is produced only by one company. The cockpit is too thick and the surface of model is quite poor.
Brief description of construction:	Red Bull Zlín 50 is very elegant aircraft. I painted all details with templates, and then I painted small details with brush. I used Humbrol paints, Model Master and Alclad 2. Plexiglas cabin is new, I pushed it over the flame, based on a part of the model kit.

History

Zlín Z-50LX is a Czechoslovakian, or later, a Czech aerobatic sports airplane. It is all-metal low-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear. It has been also the first special aerobatic plane manufactured in serial production in the world. The first flight carried out on July 18, 1975.

The main goal of the new plane design was to succeed at the eight World Aerobatic Championship in Kiev in 1976. The new airplane had to meet many requirements, both aerobatic and constructional. It was for the first time, when detailed mathematical analysis and optimization was prepared for this type of airplane. One of the requirements was to use powerful and light American airplane engine Avco Lycoming with output of 191 kW. Serial production began in 1976.

Version Z-50LX from 1991 was equipped with Lycoming AEIO-540-L1B5D engine, smoke-system device for creating smoke trace and two fuel tanks (2x11 gallons). Eight airplanes were manufactured and other two Z-50LS were modified. On the other hand, two Z-50LX were modified to Z-50LS. They are used by Czech aerobatic group Flying Bulls. These airplanes are painted in Red Bull colors.

Source of information: