Cobra Company 1/35 Mi-24V Hind E Exterior Detail Set
By Michael Benolkin
Review
| Date of Review | June 2011 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cobra Company |
| Subject | Mi-24V Hind E Exterior Detail Set |
| Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 35014 |
| Primary Media | Resin |
| Pros | Beautiful detailing & updates for the Trumpeter kit. Works with both the Mi-24 as well as Mi-8/17 kits |
| Cons | Parts placement in instructions could be clearer |
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| MSRP (USD) | $24.00 |
Cobra Company has reissued their Exterior Detail Set for the Trumpeter 1/35 Mi-24 Hind kit. While the Trumpeter kit is impressive out of the box, it was missing some essential details to replicate an Afghan warrior and this set still addresses those shortcomings.
Included in the set are detailed engine exhaust infrared suppressors, two types of exhaust baffles, mounting brackets, late style chaff/flare launchers, and RHAW antennas for the nose and tail.
The instructions are nicely illustrated, yet the only complaint I have on this set is also here. As with the original release, this reissue retains the 2004 instruction sheet. The parts are numbered out nicely, but the instructions don't show which numbered parts goes where. In addition, you're left wondering if the IR suppressor exhaust is deflected upward or downward, or where to install the nose RHAW antennas. Fortunately these answers can be found in the Wings & Wheels Mi-24 book.
These exhaust baffles should be pointed up into the rotor blades and the rotor downwash helps to cool/disperse the engine exhaust which helps to minimize the infrared heat signature that shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles home on. As I mentioned earlier, this set comes with two types of exhaust baffles, one that directs the exhaust flow up about 45 degrees into the rotor downwash, the other closer to 90 degrees straight up. Check your references to see which type of deflector the Mi-24 you're modeling was equipped with.
One interesting note is that this set is also useful for the Mi-8/Mi-17 kit also produced by Trumpeter. While the Hip did not use the same type of chaff/flare launchers nor RHAW antennas, this is the only 1/35 set of exhaust suppressors on the market and these are nearly identical to the suppressors used on the Mi-8/17 if you would want to have some unique details not found on many other Hips produced to date.
Chances are that if you're ordering this set, you already know where all of the detail parts are installed on the airframe, or like me, have an excellent reference standing by. Nevertheless, if you want to model an Mi-24 Hind or Mi-8/17 Hip warrior, this set is definitely a must-have.
This detail set is available directly from Cobra Company (www.cobracompany.com).
My sincere thanks to Cobra Company (www.cobracompany.com) for this review sample!
