JELCZ 272 "Mex" – the Łódź Bus Depot Bus

The JELCZ 272 "Mex" is a Polish bus, based on the “JELCZ 043”, mass-produced between 1963 and 1977. This model is a licensed variant of the “Škoda” 706 RTO MTZ and “Škoda” 706 RTO MEX buses. Due to its appearance, the bus was nicknamed the "cucumber." Mass production of the JELCZ 272 "Mex" began in 1963. The body of the JELCZ 272 "Mex" was constructed from closed and open steel profiles, joined by welding and was riveted to side longitudinal members, made of stamped steel sheet. The exterior consisted of steel panels, riveted to the frame. A space for the route display board is located above the windows. Pneumatically operated double-leaf doors were installed on the right side—between the front and rear axles and at the rear platform. The driver's door is located on the left. The 1,900 mm high passenger cabin accommodates 81 passengers, with seating places for 28. The interior is finished with lacquered fiberboard and the flooring consists of rubber-coated pine planks. The JELCZ 272 "Mex" salon was heated by both a fuel-fired heater and a water-based heating system. Unlike the “JELCZ 043’, this is a city bus; consequently, it lacks luggage racks and a roof rack. It was equipped with a 160 h. p. “Škoda’ 706RT diesel engine with a displacement of 11,781 cm³. It features a five-speed manual transmission. Four JELCZ 272 "Mex" buses remain in operation in Poland to this day. In 2002 a “JELCZ 043” bus in Kraków was converted into a JELCZ 272 "Mex".

This is a small, relatively simple bus model without interior detailing, designed for beginners and modelers with little experience. However, the complex body shape may prove challenging for absolute beginners; even advanced beginners and little experienced would benefit from the advice of a more experienced colleague, when building this model. You can assemble one of two bus models: a historic Łódź MPK bus or a model of a Łódź Bus Depot vehicle, that is still in service. No reserves of colors or textures. The textual instruction is of moderate length and quite detailed, providing an excellent description of the entire assembly process, while the graphical instruction—though not extensive—are sufficient for assembling the model.