Herpa Malev Ilyushin IL-62M HA-LIA 1:200 diecast plane Diecast Model

1:200 Diecast: Malev Hungarian Airlines Ilyushin IL-62M HA-LIA (Herpa). Here's a rarity for you—the only four-engine jet ever to serve in the Malev fleet, and the only IL-62 to ever carry Hungarian registration. But here's the kicker: HA-LIA wasn't originally Malev's. It was leased from Czechoslovak airline CSA in August 1991, where it had been registered OK-JBJ. Malev needed capacity for charter flights to Tokyo while waiting for delayed Boeing 767 deliveries, so they brought in this Soviet-built long-hauler for a quick 200-flight-hour stint.

The lease didn't go quite as planned. Only three of the planned ten Tokyo flights actually operated before the aircraft was returned to CSA in September 1991. After that, it eventually turned up in Cambodia as XU-299 with Yana Airlines in 1999—a fascinating journey for a Soviet classic.

The IL-62M is powered by four Soloviev D-30KU engines (112.8 kN thrust each), giving it a range of 7,800 kilometers with a full load. It first flew in 1970 and served as the Soviet Union's premier long-haul aircraft for decades, seating 168-186 passengers in its typical configuration.

Herpa released this model (item 573047) in mid-2024, and it's become highly sought-after by collectors of Eastern Bloc aviation. The livery captures Malev's classic look—white fuselage, blue cheatline, red "MALÉV" titling, and Hungarian flag on the tail. A piece of Cold War aviation history that almost never happened.

Age 16+ only. Not a toy.