Meng Model mPLANE-009 - 1:Egg PLAAF Y-20 Transport Aircraft

Model of the Chinese Y-20 transport aircraft in the Egg caricature series

Meng mPLANE-009 is a model of the Chinese Xian Y-20 heavy transport aircraft, rendered in the distinctive style of the Egg series - short, chubby fuselage and exaggerated proportions. Despite the playful shape, the aircraft's recognisable features are all there: the high-mounted wing, four engines and the substantial rear cargo ramp.

The parts are pre-coloured and the model snaps together - no glue and no painting needed, which makes it a good choice for a first kit. The rear ramp opens to reveal the cargo hold. The box also contains a separate model of the Chinese ZTZ-99A tank in the same caricature style, sized to fit inside the transport's hold - just as the real Y-20 carries heavy military equipment.

What's in the box:

• Pre-coloured plastic sprues with the aircraft parts
• ZTZ-99A tank model in Egg series style, sized to fit the cargo hold
• Opening rear cargo ramp
• Decal sheet
• Illustrated instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: Egg series (no scale)
• Catalogue number: mPLANE-009
• Manufacturer: Meng
• Assembly: snap-fit, no glue required; pre-coloured parts
• Skill level: beginner

Note: Paints and modelling tools are not included. This kit requires assembly.

Building the model:

The kit is designed to be built without glue and without paint - all you need are sprue cutters and a knife to clean up the gate marks. That makes it well suited as a first model, including for younger builders.

Modellers who want to take it further can paint the model with a brush or airbrush, add a wash to bring out the panel lines and finish with a matt or satin coat. Applying decals over a gloss coat reduces the risk of silvering.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Optional: model paints and brushes if you wish to paint the model
• Optional: plastic cement for stronger joints

About the aircraft - Xian Y-20:

The Xian Y-20 is a Chinese heavy transport aircraft in the same class as the American C-17 Globemaster III and the Russian Il-76. It was developed to give China an independent capability to move heavy military equipment over long distances - tanks, armoured vehicles and missile systems - without relying on foreign designs.

The aircraft first flew in 2013 and entered service with the People's Liberation Army in 2016. The Y-20 has a high-mounted wing, four engines and landing gear suited to poorly prepared airfields. In 2020 the type drew public attention by transporting medical personnel and supplies to Hubei province during the epidemic. The Y-20 airframe also serves as the basis for an aerial tanker version.

Original aircraft specifications (Xian Y-20):

• Length: approx. 47 m
• Maximum take-off weight: approx. 220 t (estimate)
• Payload: approx. 66 t (estimate)
• Powerplant: 4 turbofan engines
• First flight: 2013
• Entered service: 2016
• Operator: People's Liberation Army Air Force

About the manufacturer - Meng:

Meng is a Chinese model company founded around 2011 and based in Shenzhen. It has established itself as one of the leading producers of 1:35 armour kits, known for very precise moulds and a bold choice of subjects. The catalogue also covers aircraft, 1:700 warships, licensed 1:9 motorcycle kits and the humorous caricature series to which this kit belongs. Egg series models are snap-fit and are popular both as a first kit for children and as a quick, relaxing project for experienced modellers.