I`ve been looking forward to seeing this lovely little aircraft in die-cast but didn`t think anyone would actually manufacture them. There are three choices available; Soviet, Czech & East German. I`ve only seen the art work for these models as yet so fingers crossed Herpa do them justice. I cannot find any pre production photos, but i`ll be ordering all three for sure. I especially like the East German camo scheme. I`m hoping Herpa produce more scheme`s in the future. Any thoughts on these? or regarding future schemes?
According their official information, the company behind this L-29 model is Modelyletadel (see logo in photos), models will be distributed in partnership with Herpa through their network of selling channels, under the Herpa name.
I'm not sure I'd call this as looking "great." It looks ok.
there is a big fuselage seam. in general the models have some nice parts but also crudeness in other areas (dorsal antenna, some uncrisp panel lines, etc).
previous herpa releases have been underwhelming. anybody bought a herpa su-25?
recent herpa releases are ok. the alpha jet still isn't out, and even so the latest pictures of the releases, while "ok", are nowhere what the first images suggested. (still waiting for my french alpha jet)
this item perhaps has some design or manufacturing lineage in common to: aviation72 and/or the czech team that made the phoenix models L-39. none of that is particularly confidence inspiring.
The Phoenix L-39 was perhaps the worst model that I can remember in recent memory. This L-29 doesn't look to be in the same style, but still.
That said, as I've flown the L-29 in real life (about 5 hours total), I'll probably end up buying one. The darker colour (DDR) one will look better as it will help disguise the flaws in the mould, but I'll probably go with a soviet one as that better matches the private owner one I flew in years ago.
Unfortunately, beggars can`t be choosers. Since this is the only die-cast Delfin available. I really like the attention to detail with the canopy. It would have been far easier for the manufacturer to have the canopy permanently closed. The more prominent seam`s on the natural metal aircraft can be disguised somewhat with applying a darker wash in the other panel lines to blend them in. Big seams can always be filled with milliput. No probs. I have the Herpa Su-25`s, and yes they`re not up to Hobbymaster standards, but with a little time and effort, can be improved no end.
Unfortunately, beggars can`t be choosers. Since this is the only die-cast Delfin available..
Yes, I agree. And the canopy is a nice touch. But it's also 2-3x the price of IXO's Fouga Magister, which is a very good model for what it is (in fairness, it's one of IXO's best). So, all I was saying is that the high praise for the pre-pros seemed like a bit much compared to the "ok" reality of what i see there.
As the Delfins i ordered are now being processed and i eagerly await them, Herpa have more of these beauties lined up for future release:- Czech, East German, Slovak.
Just received my Delfin`s, and i am very happy with them. The East German L-29 is particularly good with it having a more interesting scheme than the others. Hope they produce an Egyptian scheme in the future.
Herpa L-29 Delfin, thoughts?
