Trumpeter MI-8MT Finally Finished

Here are a few pictures of my 1/35 scale MI-8MT Hip that is still in work. I have been working on it for almost four months now. I’d hate to say it, but I am already getting bored with it, but I will finish it.

This is my first model helicopter build as I usually build 1/35 scale modern russian armor and 1/72nd scale modern russian aircraft. This is also my first model painted with a dual action airbrush since I usually utilized my single action airbrush on all my models. Oh yeah, this is my first camo scheme as well. So far, I love the results.

Building this huge model was a challenge since it takes up a lot of space. I wanted to build the armed version of the Hip in at which i had to do some research. I found an individual or manufacturer (BFOM) who made the wing pylons, mounts and rocket pods in 1/35 scale made of resin and brass wire and ordered a set. I think the armament set makes the Hip stand out more. It looks mean and tough in my opinion and I don’t even have the rocket pods built yet. Here is the link to Cybermodelers review on it: http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/details/bfom/detail_bfom_hip.shtml

This model used little sanding as everything lined up just fine for during the major building process.

Masking this beast was a challenge within its self. I typically use paint masks but couldn’t find any so I utilized the elmers glue liquid mask technique and I am happy with the results.

I have never really posted any images of my models (in-work and finished) on any public websites as well. I am starting to broaden my horizons now. I will try to get some more pictures posted as I get more work accomplished on it. Thanks for looking.

Its looking great so far. I like the look of the weapons pylons too. It gives the big, old Hip a bit of bite.

Here are a few more pictures of my 1/35 scale MI-8MT Hip that is still in work but nearing completion. I have been working on it for almost 4 1/2 months now. Still needs rocket pods, crew deck side windows, windshield wipers and other small details. I think this will be the last helicpter that I build for now.

Nice, Forgive me I don’t know that much about helicopters, but aren’t all rotors flat black?

I think the paint job is great.

Nope. They can be any color that the user or user country wants to paint them. Typically, Russian blades are gray. US blades up through the late '70s were black on top and OD green on the underside. Since teh late '70’s, US blades have mainly been overall black. US Navy helos have had gray blades for years as well.

Well, it is finally finished. Now I am just trying to find space for it to be displayed. It took me about five months to complete it. The rocket pods took awhile to finish and I was starting to get bored with building the Hip as time went on. But now she is all done. Here are the finished pictures of the big old Hip.

With the Hip all finished, I am now off to start building a 1/35 scale British Mark IV tank from World War I. Talk about taking a few steps back in time. The kit is from Emhar and it is a rough looking kit. I am going to try my hand at building a diorama scene for it also. Wish me luck and we’ll see how I do.

Man, them Ruskies sure built some ungainly looking birds!!!

Very nice job on that one!!!