Joining in this GB, if I may, with a couple of entries - first being the 1/72 KP Mil-4 Hound. I developed a fondness for this aircraft after a visit to Moscow and a ramp tour around Chernoye re-work facility with two of the beast lying around in a state of dis-repair! Have had the kit a few years and its not a bad shape in my opinion. Uniformly moulded with indented panel lines, possibly a little bit simplified around the numerous vents holes, grilles, ports etc . Will be a well used military example and the decals look OK for a few option plus I have a set from Hi-Life to give a load of other options.
From the box...
Always keen to crack open a new kit (who isnt?) here we are straight away with some extra work - lets open up the vents in the nose for the engine of which there are 18? On the real aircraft these are very noticeable and the representation on the kit will not do. Its the usual drill each corner then scalpel between and the file with micro-files to get the shape as close as possible. One done 17 to go!! Quite thick plastic which helps with this job but will leave a depth between the outer skin and where the mesh/grille will sit.
I notice there is the HobbyBoss version in the GB as well, so an interesting comparison coming up. Any way looking forward to building my first chopper for 40? years.....