1:48 MiL Mi-24D Hind

The real subject

The Mi-24 in the D form is a Soviet attack helicopter that combines fire support with the ability to carry a group of soldiers in the rear cabin. It was the D version that introduced the stepped tandem cockpit with two separately glazed stations: the weapons operator sits in front, with the pilot behind and above him. Under the nose is a movable turret with a machine gun, stub wings at the sides of the fuselage carry pylons for armament, and the landing gear retracts in flight. The power comes from a pair of turboshaft engines mounted above the fuselage.

What the photo-etched set offers

An etched fret is a thin metal plate with an etched relief. The parts are separated from it, shaped and glued to the model. Metal keeps its shape even at a thickness injection-molded plastic cannot reach, and that is why etched metal pays off where a plastic part is necessarily heavier than reality: on seat belts, handles, consoles, grilles and areas with fine division. The extent of this set and the order of assembly are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Work tips

• separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface, do not break them out with your fingers
• make the bends in a bending tool or between two blades, so that the edge stays straight
• degrease the metal before gluing, otherwise neither paint nor glue will hold on it
• cyanoacrylate glue applied with a pin in a minute amount suits the bonding
• use a base coat intended for metal under the paint, as bare etched metal rubs easily

Terms of supply

The kit of the helicopter, paints, glue and tools are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.