JELCZ 043 "Ogorek" – the Polish bus

JELCZ 043 – Polish intercity tourist bus, first introduced in 1958. Serially produced from 1959 to 1986 by “Zaklady Samochodowe JELCZ”. Popularly called "cucumber" due to its elongated and oval shape, like another tourist bus – JELCZ 014, JELCZ 043 was created, based on the license of the Czechoslovak "Škoda" 706 RTO bus. Interestingly, after really successful tests in the 1950s, the Polish bus A80, based on a truck base, was abandoned and the JELCZ 043 was chosen. Its chassis was supplied by the Czechoslovak factory throughout the all production period, and bodies from the JELCZ factory were mounted on it. As in the JELCZ 014 and 021 buses, the new ones were also equipped with Czechoslovak-made “Škoda” 706RT diesel engines with direct fuel injection, developing 160 hl p. The bus could carry from 42 to 52 seated passengers. A modernized version, designated JELCZ 044, was also created, which was outwardly very similar to the JELCZ 043, but had a completely different engine, developing more power, and an adapted gearbox.

A fairly simple, well-designed and moderately detailed small-scale model for modelers of any experience, except for complete beginners. But the model is not one, that You can glue together quickly - the complex body shapes require patience, care and diligence, and the help of a more experienced colleague may also come in handy. The model is without interior and engine compartment detailing; the chassis is greatly simplified. The model recreates the appearance of the 2025 bus of the Włocławek Historical Center "Zajezdnia". The textual instructions are small and contain only general provisions, the graphic instructions are also not too large, but sufficient for assembling the model and are quite readable. There are no color reserves.