1:35 Aussie Mi-24 Hind

[Maverick]

Some superlative work there Grubby, the foil is inspired to say the least.

Regards,

Mav

[NARSES2]

I'm not a fan of helicopters BUT this has my attention. As Mav says that foil trick is brilliant 

[nev]

Absolutely superb!  Great concept, and superb detailing so far.  That trick with the floor is exceptional

[GTX]

Graeme,

Nice to see you back here and with some progress - but why the new thread when you already have this one?

Regards,

Greg

[GrubbyFingers]

Hi Greg,

I was simply too lazy to go look for the old one.

Grubby.

[Sauragnmon]

Wow, that area is going to be LOADED.  Very cool looking with all the new stuff, and the floor idea was good, though it leaves a mind to question it when you see how little is left with ammo, seats and such in place... but still, the added detailing is very nice.  Love the avionics bay addition as well, very inspired work there.

[Silverfox]

I love this so far, and can't wait to see more. Always loved the Hind, and love seeing what you're doing with it as well!

[GrubbyFingers]

... and here we go.

Painting the Cockpit

I have heard good things about the Citadel acrylic paints you get at the wargaming shops, so I thought I'd give them a try. They'd want to be good at $6 a throw! I've used Tamiya acrylics before and I must admit I've had some trouble with them adhering. I'm prepared to admit that the problem may be my surface preparation, so I will bear that in mind.

I gave all the cockpit subassemblies and parts a spray with Windex (another new thing I'm trialling) and left them to sit for a few hours. I then rinsed off the Windex under cold water and left them to dry.

Modelling Tip: I use a cheap strainer from Kmart to hold the small parts while I spray them with Windex and then rinse them off. This makes it pretty unlikely I'll lose one, and I don't need to handle them whaile I wash them.

Modelling Tip: Use Windex to wash parts. I've been told it is a spray on, leave, rinse off affair.

With the parts now washed and dried, I set about airbrushing them. I wanted the cockpit to be NVG capable, so I sprayed the entire interior with Citadel Death Black or something. Note that I deliberately didn't use an undercoat to test adhesion. I also sprayed the cabin in a medium grey, along with two of the instrument panels.

Having done this, I hand-brushed some details and gave the black surfaces a dry-brush with the same medium grey. I scuffed up the floor and corners with a silver pencil, and highlighted edges and buttons by dancing a white pencil all over the raised detail, much like dry-brushing.
My impression of the Citadel paints so far is quite good. They are all matt, and do give a really nice finish. They are more brushable than Tamiya acrylics, but no where near as friendly as enamels. They appear to airbrush quite well, though I did have some trouble with clogging and uneven spray. I'd be inclined to put that down to me being unused to spraying much at all, let alone acrylics!

Adhesion was a mixed bag. Some spots I couldn't budge the paint with a thumbnail, other spots it disappeared with a minimum of handling. I would be inclined to put this down to my surface prep as the bits that did stick, stuck well.



Cushions and harnesses are still to be added, along with some other details. This cockpit is OOB.

[Jeffry Fontaine]

Having seen first hand what the inside of the passenger compartment of the Hind looks like you definitely do not have much room to move around inside that thing.  The details that you are adding to this project are amazing.  The avionics rack details are especially appreciated.

[nev]

lovely 'pit

[Taiidantomcat]

Excellent start. This is going to be sweet!  Welcome aboard! 

[Army of One]

Awesome work,just awesome......I love the Hind n the big 1/35 is about the only one I don't have in my stash.....can't wait for more pics....

[Weaver]

This is great stuff - keep it up! 

[Mossie]

Glad to see you've picked this up again, looking forward to further pics!

[ChernayaAkula]

Good to see you're still at it! This project sure looks promising!