1:72 Letov Š-239

Letov S-239 (1:72, Kovozavody Prostejov)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Czechoslovak light sporting aircraft Letov S-239 in 1:72 scale from Kovozavody Prostejov (KP). Like the related S-39 and S-139 types, it is a parasol high-wing monoplane (a single wing carried above the fuselage on struts), not a biplane. KP kits are usually short-run; check the exact contents of the box and the number of schemes against the manufacturer's part number of the item.

The real subject

The S-239 was a further version of the proven design of the two-seat parasol high-wing monoplane of the S-39 series, with fixed landing gear and the crew in tandem. It differs from its siblings in the powerplant: the S-239 was powered by a Walter Minor inline engine. Whereas the S-39 had a Walter Polaris engine and the S-139 a Pobjoy R radial, the S-239 thus represents the version with a different, inline engine. The aircraft found its place in sporting and training flying at aero clubs.

Building and painting tips

With short-run kits, clean the fine flash up and dry-fit the parts, because they may have no locating pins. Glue with liquid plastic cement and watch the alignment of the wing struts and a clean seating of the cowling of the inline engine. A primer undercoat, an airbrush and sealing the decals with a gloss and then a matte clear coat are recommended.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Czechoslovak interwar aviation in 1:72 scale
• Anyone interested in aero club sporting and training aircraft of the 1930s
• Moderately advanced modelers who get on with short-run kits
• Fans of the Letov S-39, S-139 and S-239 series who want the version with the inline engine

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