Zelazny - Zlin 50L GPM 1/33 scale

[Isaac]

This is my second aircraft of the Zelazny Polish aerobatic team. I have finished my first aircraft, a Zlin 526 AFS and now adding this one.

Here is a link to the Zlin 526 I finished:
Zelazny- Zlin 526 AFS Quest 1/33 scale


Here is a bit of history on the team:

Polish aerobatic team named Zelazny. That name means Iron, or of Iron, or as strong as Iron. The name was selected because their original sponser was in that business. They started in the year 2000. the group consisted of Zlin 526 and Zlin 50 which were Czech design know for its planes going back many years. The team has lost its sponsor in 2002, but elected to keep the name as it became common across the Polish airshows and Europe. The team also had a spectacular mid air collision a few years ago.
The aircraft makes now include Extra 300.

The aircraft were always painted bright red and had the Zelazny name in large letters on the left upper wing as well as the fuselage sides. The right upper wing had an "art Deco" / old chizled looking face of an iron worker.

Here is their web site:

Grupa Akrobacyjna ?ELAZNY


Also, you can go on airliners.net for good photos
Photos: Zlin Z-50LS Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

Here is a picture ( public use only here )




The kit:

I purchased this GPM kit in 2011 when it was just published. So it is relatively new and the design is very good. In addition, I purchased the laser frames as well as plastic wheel kit from GPM. Only thing missing is a canopy. I will have to vacuform it myself. However, there are frames for the canopy plug.








Of interest is that this booklet contains parts for two complete kits. The red Zelazny team, and another red and white aircraft. I don't think I will build the second one for a while.

This model was illustrated very well on the Polish paper site Konradus. The builder did a magnificent job ( better than I could do ).

WWW.KONRADUS.COM - FORUM MODELARZY KARTONOWYCH - [Relacja/Galeria] Zlin 50LS GPM 1/33


My build will not be as well detailed, but will provide yet another perspective on an unusual aircraft.


Cheers


Isaac

[Isaac]

Since I have the laser cut frames, that part is now much easier and more precise. I decide to build those first.


Canopy frame for a future plug needed for vacuforming.



Engine cowl frames



Wing frames ( with skins for fitting ).




All ( except the fuselage )





The next step will be to build the wings, ailerons, vertical fin and rudder and the horizontal fins and elevators



Isaac

[Isaac]

The ailerons on the Zlin 50 are full span and wide. The real aircraft has them corrugated for extra stiffness.

This technique is done in a real manufacturing using a die to press the sheet metal into shape.

For the model, the designer came up with a clever template that you build ( provided with the laser frames ). Once completed, there is an outline of the aileron in a flat pattern position. You then lay it color side down, tape it in place so it does not move, and then I used a ball point pen to score the ribbing / corrugation for this affect. Looks great!!!!!!!!!



Once done, You bend the aileron skin around their forward edge and glue to the inner core / frame.




The mass balance pieces are added to the tips.




That is all.



Isaac

[OSTOJA]

Beautiful aerobatic plane: Skrzydla.org/Aircraft-Spotting.org: SP-AUB - Zlin 50L - Grupa akrobacyjna ?ELAZNY

[Isaac]

Originally Posted by OSTOJA

Beautiful aerobatic plane: Skrzydla.org/Aircraft-Spotting.org: SP-AUB - Zlin 50L - Grupa akrobacyjna ?ELAZNY

Thanks for the link to this great photo. Very clear details.

I noticed that this one now has the optional tip tanks. I have seen photos of the Zelazny planes with and without the extra tip tanks.

Very elegant airplane.


Isaac

[Isaac]

The wings are really a single sheet that is rolled around the leading edge and glued on the inboard section only. I then slipped the wing framing in place and when dry fitted OK, I applied glue around the trailing edges / aileron cutouts.


Each wing half is completed and will be joined later on to the fuselage. The ailerons are just on for dry fitting. later on, I will attach and add the trim tabs.






So far my strategy is to build the flying surfaces before I start the fuselage.




Isaac

[Isaac]

The vertical fin comes in two parts including the fin and the rudder. The inner structure supports it well.







The horizontals and the elevators all come separate and are similar in construction







Cheers

Isaac

[Isaac]

The engine cowl is the most complicated sub assembly in my opinion. There are multiple compound curves that require multiple sections.

The main assembly is the frames. Once those are done, then you add the top and bottom skin sections. Those are pre connected ( do not build those on the frames. Once dried, I then glued to the top and bottom





The side cheeks are also pre-assembled and they have their own frames






When all is put together. then there is a white paper decal for the number "6" on top.



All in all, not one of my better jobs, but OK for me.


The prop and spinner as well as the engine exhausts and the lower deflector/guard will be added later


Isaac

[Isaac]

The entire center section is built around the cocpit interior. There is a fair amount of detail that is visible, and some which will be obscured ( like the rudder pedals and battery detail.

I used the laser cut frames as well as laminated some of the sections. The floor is glued onto the floor frame and has two corrugation lines going axially. Nice touch.












More work to show soon on the rest of the interior a bit later


Cheers


Isaac

[Isaac]

Work is continuing by building the interior walls with their structure.


Then add one side at the time to the frame and add the rest of the interior details. Leave the instrument panel and seat for later






Add the top for mating with the canopy




almost there.



Cheers



Isaac