1:48 Mi-4A Hound

Trumpeter Mil Mi-4A Hound 1:48

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet helicopter Mil Mi-4A (NATO code name Hound) in 1:48 scale from Trumpeter. It is a release from a modern tooling with finely engraved surface detail, which offers a large and impressive model in a popular aircraft scale. The package contains plastic sprues and decals; thanks to the size of the scale the broken-up structure of the fuselage and the cabin shows well. It suits modelers looking for a less usual type of helicopter.

The real subject

The Mil Mi-4 is a Soviet transport and multi-role helicopter whose characteristic feature is the large radial piston engine in the nose and a rear cargo compartment with doors for loading vehicles. It entered service in the first half of the 1950s and became one of the most widespread helicopters of the Eastern Bloc; it served in military and civil versions and was also built under license in China. The Mi-4A version is the transport and assault rendering. The single-rotor layout with a tail rotor on the tail boom was very capable for its time.

Building and painting tips

Glue the parts with thin cement for plastic and check the joints of the fuselage dry; on a large model it pays to glue in stages. Apply a primer before painting. The glazed cockpit deserves masking and painting at the very end. Fit the rotor blades and the landing gear at the end of the build. Single-color and two-color military schemes are typical, and a fine patina and accentuated rivets come out well on them.

Who the model is for

• For enthusiasts of Eastern Bloc helicopters and Cold War hardware.
• For modelers who will appreciate a large and impressive model in 1:48 scale.
• For collectors of less usual types of aircraft.
• For more advanced beginners and experienced builders alike.

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