RS Models 92313 - 1:72 Zlin Z-XII Cs. Sport Aircraft

Plastic model kit of the Czechoslovak sport and training aircraft Zlín Z-XII in 1:72 scale

RS Models 92313 is a model kit for self-assembly depicting the Zlín Z-XII – a two-seat, all-wooden low-wing sport and training aircraft produced in Czechoslovakia from the mid-1930s. The type became very popular and was operated in many countries; during the Second World War a small number also served with the German and Slovak air forces.

The kit is produced using short-run technology. It includes plastic parts and clear parts for the cockpit glazing, while the decal sheet allows one of four painting schemes to be reproduced.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the airframe
• Clear parts for the cockpit glazing
• Waterslide decal sheet for 4 marking options (Czechoslovakia; Slovakia; Yugoslavia; Luftwaffe)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 92313
• Manufacturer: RS Models
• Assembled length: approx. 108 mm, wingspan: approx. 139 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is a short-run kit, so assembly calls for a little more care than mass-produced tooling – it is worth cleaning the sprue-gate marks from the part edges and dry-fitting the components before gluing. The cockpit and interior are best painted before closing the fuselage. Because the original had a wooden airframe, many aircraft wore a light, varnished finish; the Luftwaffe option, by contrast, requires military colours according to the chosen scheme in the instructions.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modelling wash to emphasise detail

About the aircraft – Zlín Z-XII:

The Zlín Z-XII was a Czechoslovak two-seat sport and training aircraft, first flown in 1935. It was an all-wooden low-wing monoplane powered by a four-cylinder Zlín Persy II air-cooled boxer engine of about 47 hp. Simple, inexpensive and easy to fly, it quickly became popular with flying clubs and pilot schools.

The aircraft was exported to many countries in Europe and beyond. More than two hundred Z-XIIs were built, and the design was further developed into the later Zlín Z-212. During the war some machines were used by the German air force (until 1943) and the Slovak air force, while after the war Zlíns flew with the Czechoslovak air force under the designation K-72.

Original specifications (Zlín Z-XII):

• Length: 7.8 m
• Wingspan: 10.0 m
• Height: 1.8 m
• Empty weight: approx. 295 kg
• Gross weight: approx. 500 kg
• Crew: 2
• Powerplant: Zlín Persy II, 4-cylinder, air-cooled, approx. 47 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 150 km/h
• Construction: all-wooden, low-wing monoplane
• First flight: 1935

About the manufacturer – RS Models:

RS Models is a Czech manufacturer of plastic model kits, specialising in 1:72 and 1:48 aircraft, including rarer, less common European subjects. The company produces its kits using short-run technology, often adding photo-etched parts and clear acetate details. RS Models is valued by modellers looking for subjects absent from the catalogues of the large manufacturers.