1:35 Mi-4A Hound A Helicopter

Mil Mi-4A Hound A (1:35, Trumpeter)

A large injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet Mil Mi-4A transport helicopter in the large 1:35 scale from Trumpeter. The kit is molded in gray plastic with finely engraved panel lines and offers features that show to advantage in this scale: opening rear clamshell doors that reveal the roomy cargo compartment, and removable nose panels through which the radial engine can be shown. Thanks to its size it is a striking kit for collectors of helicopters.

The real subject

The Mil Mi-4 (NATO code name Hound) was a Soviet piston-engine transport and multipurpose helicopter powered by the Shvetsov ASh-82V radial engine. Its characteristic features were the engine mounted in the nose and the high-set main rotor; cargo or troops were loaded through the rear clamshell doors, which allowed even a light vehicle to be taken aboard. The Mi-4A became the backbone piston transport helicopter of the Soviet army and served in many countries.

Building and painting tips

The large scale rewards careful work on the interior, so finish and paint the cargo compartment and the cockpit before you close the fuselage. Use liquid cement on the plastic, which is drawn into the joints. Apply primer before painting and then spray with an airbrush; the large fuselage surfaces call for an even coat. Decide in advance whether you will leave the nose panels and the rear doors open, and bring out the open sections with a wash and dry-brushing. Glue the large rotor blades precisely so that they hold a true plane.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of helicopters in the large 1:35 scale
• For modelers interested in the Soviet piston era
• For builders who want to make use of the exposed engine and cargo compartment
• For advanced modelers who will appreciate the rich detail of a large kit

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.