A feature that you can quickly notice on the Mil-24 Hind is the complicated DUAS Probe. Although Monogram made a valiant effort in molding the Mil-24 DUAS Probe with its four separate vanes and the JakB-12.7 four barrel machine gun, the limits of the injection molding process come into play. This Master Model set provides a quantum leap over any previous attempt to portray the Hind DUAS Probe and the JakB-12.7 machine gun. The kits available for this set include the original new tool Monogram 1987 release (kit 5819), that has also been released by Revell (kits 4462, 85-5856, and 4942), and Mini Hobby Models (kit 10; 2004). Master also offers this set in 1/72 and 1/35 should you desire.

Notable is the re-sealable packaging that Master Model uses that makes the parts easy to review and then stuff back into the package securely. The instructions, although small enough to fit in the package, are also well done. The resin vane section and JakB-12.7 machine gun barrel assembly is secured in a high density foam block that is backed with some sort of adhesive tape to minimize them being moved around, or crushed for that matter. You will want to be careful handling the metal and resin parts as their small size makes them an easy sacrifice to the carpet monster. The resin parts are especially easy to break one or more of the vanes in handling, so be sure to handle with care.

This Master Model set provides the DUAS Probe composed of one resin part and two machined brass parts. The JakB-12.7 machine gun is composed of one resin part and one machined brass part. Assembling the resin and brass DUAS Probe is quite simple and only required only a minute due to the excellent fit. The same thing goes for the JakB-12.7 machine gun barrel assembly, a nice tight fit.

After assembly of the Master DUAS Probe, you will need to use the kit part and cut off the DUAS Probe boom as indicated in the instructions. You will then need to drill a 0.5mm (~ #77 carbide bit) hole to accommodate the DUAS Probe assembly. Make sure the drill bit is properly aligned on the x-, y-, and z-axes. The JakB-12.7 machine gun barrel assembly requires cutting off the kit gun barrel assembly as can be seen in the instructions. You will then need to drill a 0.6mm (~ #74 carbide bit) hole to accommodate the DUAS Probe assembly. Once again, make sure the drill bit is properly aligned on the x-, y-, and z-axes.

Be sure to use your favorite CA (super glue) or epoxy, as the normal plastic glues or solvents will not react with the resin or brass. You will also want to be careful painting the JakB-12.7 machine gun and DUAS Probe to retain their sleek nature.

Highly recommended! This set is a superb upgrade over the injected kit parts.

Thanks to Master Model and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.