¹⁄48

Letov Š328v

history

The Letov Š-28 was a Czechoslovak single-engined, two-seat reconnaissance aircraft. It was manufactured by Letov Kbely in a number of versions with different powerplants. Most important version was Š-328, which was produced in relatively high quantities (412 planes produced). Although Czechoslovakia was a land locked nation, a floatplane variant was necessary for a Czechoslovak anti-aircraft artillery training depot in the Bay of Kotor (now in Montenegro) and four were built as the Š-328v. (v stood for vodní or water).

building the kit

Here's another floatplane from the thirties, this time from Poland's southern neighbours - Czechs, to say more precisely, Czechoslovakia as it was known at the time.

First few words about the kit. This is a resin model kit which contains a few elements cast in white metal and few photo-etched parts. This kit is not advised for beginner modellers and those who have small experience in work with resin. To say it straight - this is really a difficult kit. Although I have already build few resin kits this one was a really though nut. Thankfully somehow I managed to get through this trauma.

In the pictures you can find a quick workbench preview. Sometimes I really wonder where Czechs have found so big reservoirs to use these floatplanes. I don't suspect they wanted to get an access to some sea.

{Editor's Note: As mentioned above in the history, the Š328v was a very rare version used only at the air gunnery camp in the Bay of Kotor. Planet Models are to be applauded for giving us this opportunity to build such an obscure aircraft. This is a far more interesting model than yet another MesserSpitStang.
Ryszard concludes his article with a bonus picture of two close contemporaries sitting together, something which can only happen on a display shelf.}