For Christmas I received the 1/35 Trumpeter version of this helicopter, but I figured I had better practice first before I delve into such an expensive model. I had assembled a Monogram Mi-24 before, but I wanted to make this one a little more complex. I added some Cobra Company resin detail kits to this model for the detail that was so lacking in the original kit. I went with a weapons set, a new cockpit set, and I also added the HERs (Heat Emission Reduicers) to the outside. A friend of mine had the opportunity to see 2 captured Hinds when he was in the Army, so he gave me some pointers. After seeing every helicopter in the US inventory, my friend concluded that no one makes a helicopter quite like the Russians, and I agree. The Cobra Company parts required minimal sanding and went together quite well. My biggest challenge was dealing with the age of the Monogram kit (1987). It had warped in a few places, but I got the airframe in shape in no time. I chose to use the brown camouflage scheme because I think it looks the best. I then weathered the whole thing with thinned artist oils over the acrylic camouflage base. After drying I gave it a mineral spirit wash to clean up the panel lines a bit. I really like this helicopter, and I even found a UN paint scheme for it, which I will be using on my other unbuilt Monogram kit before I take on the bigger Trumpeter. All in all, this is a great build as long as you go out and find some decent aftermarket parts for it.

Tyler

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