1:72 Tupolev TU-134AK BALKANI

Tupolev Tu-134AK in 1:72 scale — Amodel

A kit of the twin-engined jet airliner in the AK version, in 1:72 scale, in a boxing devoted to a Bulgarian carrier. The Ukrainian brand Amodel concentrates on airliners and special-purpose aircraft outside the usual range; with kits of this kind, allow for dry-fitting the parts and filling the joints. Neither the part count nor the number of decal schemes is stated by the manufacturer.

The real subject

The Tu-134 was a Soviet airliner for short and medium-haul routes, with the engines at the rear of the fuselage and a T-tail. The AK version differs from the ordinary airliner form in having built-in steps for boarding without airport equipment and an interior laid out so that an executive fit-out is possible; it was therefore used by government and official flights as well. Machines of this line flew with many Eastern European carriers, and their silhouette with a glazed or a radar nose is among the best-known images of the airports of that era.

Building and painting tips

The hardest part is a straight fuselage and a smooth surface, because gloss white forgives no irregularity. Fill the joints, sand them down and spray a primer. Apply the decals over a gloss base and lay the long stripes down wet with a drop of detergent, because a decal that has dried will not be straightened out again. Seat the engine nacelles at the rear exactly symmetrically. Leave the built-in steps, if the model offers them, until last so that they do not get damaged.

Who the model is for

• modelers of airliners in 1:72 scale
• collectors of machines of Eastern European carriers
• more experienced modelers, because of the gloss finish and the large decals
• builds of large models for a display case

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.