The Mi-24V Hind E is the prime Russian attack helicopter. This variant entered production in 1976 and has become known worldwide for its effectiveness. Variants remain in operation in many countries around the world and, I believe, some variants are still in production. The Russian scale plastic model company, Zvezda, offers an excellent kit of the Mi-24V, as well as the earlier Mi-24A and the later Mi-35. One notable feature of the aircraft and the kits is a variety of exterior antennas. This offering from Quickboost provides a number of these antennas, finely molded in resin and much more petite than is possible with injection molded plastic.

Roden continues its 1/48th scale family of T-28 Trojans with a “D” model. The kit comes with three sets of markings for an Air Force Training Squadron from Eglin, a CIA plane based in the Congo (both of which are light gray in color), and a Special Operation marking in SEA camouflage based in Thailand in 1960. The kit parts are found on light gray sprues with good panel lines, and there are a clear sprue, decals, and an instruction sheet.

Aircraft History

Airfix has presented us with a newly-tooled 1/72 P-51D Mustang. Nearly everyone will be familiar with the venerable P-51 Mustang, the long-range WWII fighter that finally allowed US bombers to be escorted deep into the heart of Germany. Over 8000 of the “D” model variant were produced. Armed with 2 additional .50 caliber machine guns (for 6 total) and a bubbletop canopy for enhanced visibility, it represents the ultimate wartime expression of the Mustang.

Kit Contents

Inside the box you’ll find 53 parts across three sprues, two in Airfix’s familiar blue-gray and one in clear, along with decals and instructions. The instructions are generally very clearly illustrated. However, the painting callouts are made using Humbrol-specific numbers only, and there is no key provided for matching color names to the numbers. I found this need of looking up a cross-reference for the paint colors to be perhaps the most frustrating part of the build.