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KLuK
Ludvík Kružík (KLuK)
CZ

Mi-24D (Hind D) Czech Air Force, WIP

Comments

126 20 April 2023, 21:56
Ludvík Kružík
This is going to be a bit of a "crazy" build. There will be a lot of cutting and modifying, including using conversion kits and making new parts. Just the way I like it. I was really looking forward to this build.
I've thought through and prepared a build procedure, checked the condition of the kit and conversion kits ...
The starting countdown is on. 🙂
First pictures of the build will follow soon.
20 April 2023, 22:13
Eric Thornton
Following! I built this kit in the 80s when I was a kid, fun build.
20 April 2023, 22:38
Ludvík Kružík
Welcome, Eric! I hope you have as much fun with my build as you did with yours back in the 80s.
20 April 2023, 22:46
John
I too built this kit back in the day, fun build for sure. Great outcome on the fuselage surgery! It's going to look great sitting on its wheels with the tilt. I know the kit is supposed to be poor, but outside details are not bad at all. The 4+ books are great references. 👍
21 April 2023, 13:05
bughunter
A new show - I'm in!
You are right with pic 9. No helicopter is horizontal, at least in the air. The main rotor must compensate for the thrust of the tail rotor so that the helicopter does not shift sideways. Some helicopters stand straight on the skids, but then take off with one skid first.
21 April 2023, 15:45
Robert Podkoński
I want to watch the show too! 🙂
21 April 2023, 16:36
Ludvík Kružík
@John
I like old kits with all their faults. They give me room to develop my skills. And this kit is very good from my point of view. I certainly wouldn't guess it's 40 years old. If you don't insist on a perfect match to the kit, it can be a nice model without modification.

@bughunter
@Robert
Welcome to my new show. Sit back and make yourself comfortable. I'm very honored by your kindness.
21 April 2023, 22:21
Ludvík Kružík
To make matters worse, I did some more cutting today. 😄
21 April 2023, 22:49
John
Ludvik, I totally agree on old kits, especially old Monogram/Revell. They are usually very detailed even if fits is not great. Accuracy is also pretty good most times, at least for western subjects. I get the feeling for the Hind they only had access to pictures but it's a good kit all the same, glad to see you doing it justice.
22 April 2023, 00:25
Alec K
Another chopper? I am in 👍
22 April 2023, 00:51
Ludvík Kružík
Hey, Alec, welcome aboard. That's right, there's another helicopter. And as the first photos of the model build showed, it's definitely not OOB 😄. There's gonna be a lot of cutting, but relax, no blood will flow. Except maybe mine, if I'm not careful enough.
22 April 2023, 06:05
Ludvík Kružík
I didn't have much time to build the model this weekend, but I did manage to do something.
23 April 2023, 21:26
TH SCALE MODELS (Thomas Haberl)
You are crazy, mate ... 😆😆😆 I'm very interested in this build, even if I'm not that crazy as you ... I'm trying to get in my comfort zone with "normal" kits at the moment. 👍
25 April 2023, 19:37
Ludvík Kružík
Thomas, thank you for your interest in my project.

That's the beauty of this hobby. Anyone can modify it as they see fit. This craziness is my comfort zone ... ... and this kit is normal for me 😄 😄 😄
--------
I continue to work on the cockpits. Since I want to keep both cockpits and the right door to the transport cabin open, I'll have to play around with the interior. The cockpits are very simplified in the kit. It will be like working on a church. Cutting continues. I cut the base with both cockpits into smaller parts. I cut out all the excess. I've prepared new parts from plastic plates and I'm gluing them in place.

I didn't get a chance to take pictures today, so hopefully tomorrow.
25 April 2023, 21:47
Ludvík Kružík
I added some pictures of the model construction. Not much to brag about yet.
26 April 2023, 21:51
Ludvík Kružík
Apart from "enjoying" the cycles of puttying and sanding on the modified half of the fuselage, I started to gradually assemble the cockpits.
I've already cut everything that could be cut... it's time to start putting it all together. 😄
28 April 2023, 22:48
Guy Rump
Looking good, following. 👍
29 April 2023, 09:41
Ludvík Kružík
Welcome, Guy!

The installation of the cockpits into the fuselage will now follow. Due to the extensive modifications to the fuselage and interior, this will be a slow and time consuming process.
30 April 2023, 20:23
Ludvík Kružík
This weekend I had very little time for modelling (as expected). I practically only had a little time this afternoon. So progress is very moderate. But I still managed to get a few things done.
1 May 2023, 21:31
Alec K
I am always amazed how much modeling time you are able to put in. True dedication! It's coming along very nicely 👍
2 May 2023, 00:20
Ludvík Kružík
Alec, it's a little different. For me, working on a model is not a sacrifice, it's fun. The more work on the model, the more fun. 😄
2 May 2023, 07:43
Alec K
Wholeheartedly agree! I meant that I wonder, and envy, the amount of time you dedicate to the craft 👍. Modeling is about the journey, not the destination 🙂
2 May 2023, 11:09
Ludvík Kružík
I have the advantage of having grown children and free time after work. I usually have time to model in the afternoons. So I take advantage of that. I'd rather model for a little while every day than all day once a week 🙂.
2 May 2023, 17:54
Ludvík Kružík
The "sculpting work" on the model slowly continues. I spent this afternoon modifying the front undercarriage shaft.
2 May 2023, 19:41
Jakub Fiala
Excellent work, Ludvíku! I really like, how you pay attention to details.
3 May 2023, 11:20
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you, Jakub. I'm trying.
3 May 2023, 21:55
Ludvík Kružík
I've added more details to the landing gear shaft. All that's left is to cut off the open landing gear cover and I can glue the landing gear shaft into the fuselage.
3 May 2023, 22:19
Jennifer Franklin
ok wow, this is a major project. you are recreating the real thing using the basic model as the basis with a lot of adjustments. I am impressed. This is very inspiring. For someone just starting out with their first scale model this is a little mind-blowing. Something to aspire to.
5 May 2023, 06:59
Ludvík Kružík
The basis for building interiors is ready. Now I will start to gradually produce and add interior equipment.
5 May 2023, 22:04
Ludvík Kružík
Slowly, but still I continue. 🙂
6 May 2023, 20:46
Ludvík Kružík
Jennifer, thank you for the kind words! I believe that as you build more models and gain more experience, you will be able to make different modifications to your models. 🙂
7 May 2023, 06:40
Ludvík Kružík
After adjusting the shape and size of the exhaust holes, I continue to work on the interior parts.
7 May 2023, 21:25
bughunter
After a while I looked again in this build. OMG, you spent a lot of effort. Wouldn't it be easier to build this from a more modern kit? I mean Eduard is still offering the overtrees kit, to save money.
At least that is how I would act. Yes, you can certainly get everything right and I also scratch parts that are not available elsewhere. But if something modern is available, I'm lazy and save time for the next project. Maybe that comes with age. A friend used to say: life is too short for bad kits. 😉
But my worries need not bother you, if the way is the goal, just get on with it. 👍
9 May 2023, 18:30
Ludvík Kružík
Frank, I know Eduardo's kits very well. I have both the aforementioned Overtrees kit and the limited edition Mi-24D at home. I want to use them later to build other machines used by the Czech Air Force. I agree with you that Eduard's kits (which are Zvezda mouldings) are much better than this one from Monogram. I also know that most modelers prefer to reach for a nice new kit (if available). Your friend is right. But in my case I would add - life is too short for bad kits unless modifying them is your goal. 😉
10 May 2023, 21:46
Ludvík Kružík
I added details in the transport cabin and glued the partially assembled transport cabin to the right half of the fuselage.
10 May 2023, 22:58
Shar Dipree
Very nice. Following.
11 May 2023, 15:59
Ludvík Kružík
Welcome, Shar, thank you for your patronage.
12 May 2023, 07:45
Ludvík Kružík
I spent this afternoon modifying the port side of the transport cabin.
12 May 2023, 21:30
Robert Podkoński
Interior looks awesome, Ludviku!
13 May 2023, 14:59
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you, Robert.

Work continues on the left wall of the transport cabin.
14 May 2023, 21:42
Ludvík Kružík
The transport cab is almost complete, just need to finish the folding bench and install it in the cab.
16 May 2023, 10:13
Ludvík Kružík
I have added more photos from the construction. There is still a lot of work to be done before gluing the two halves of the fuselage together.
16 May 2023, 22:07
John
There always is, and if you're like me, you see something you forgot to do right after the glue dries.
16 May 2023, 23:12
Ludvík Kružík
Yes, John, I know that from personal experience. Murphy's Laws work in model building, too. "The likelihood that a part that's just glued on can be peeled off later without damage is less likely the more you need to peel it off." 😄
16 May 2023, 23:49
Ludvík Kružík
I'm continuing to edit other parts.
18 May 2023, 20:52
bughunter
A lot of detail work - it will convert every kit into a great model 👍
18 May 2023, 20:56
Alec K
Indeed, and very nice progress to boot 👍
19 May 2023, 11:04
Ludvík Kružík
I didn't work on the model today. Instead I visited the military airport in Čáslav. During the open day there were static and flight demonstrations of selected aircraft. Among others, this Mi-24V with a very nice anniversary paint job took part in this event.
20 May 2023, 21:40
Robert Podkoński
Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing!
21 May 2023, 10:44
Jennifer Franklin
Indeed, beautiful photos. I love the tiger on the front.
21 May 2023, 11:40
Ludvík Kružík
I'm glad you like the photos.

More photos from the open day at the military airport in Čáslav can be seen here: eu.zonerama.com/LudvikKruzik/Album/9818004
21 May 2023, 20:33
Ludvík Kružík
After yesterday's rest I went back to work on the Hind.
21 May 2023, 22:19
Ludvík Kružík
I added a few parts to the interior of the helicopter.
23 May 2023, 20:31
Ludvík Kružík
I finished modifying the main rotor reducer part and added instrument panels to the cockpit.
27 May 2023, 20:32
Alec K
Lot of great progress Ludvíku 👍
28 May 2023, 13:11
Ludvík Kružík
Thanks, Alec. 🙂
Now the progress is even greater. I glued the fuselage halves together, extended the tail spar to the correct length and adjusted the rudder pitch. It's starting to look like a helicopter. 😄
28 May 2023, 19:28
Villiers de Vos
Very nice progress.
28 May 2023, 22:18
Jennifer Franklin
Not only is it starting to look like a helicopter Ludvik, it's starting to look exactly like the real thing 🙂
29 May 2023, 01:59
Ludvík Kružík
Before I glue the part with the air inlets to the engines and the oil cooler to the fuselage, I have to finish the corridor between the cockpit and the transport cabin.
30 May 2023, 23:17
Rui
Looking good 👍
31 May 2023, 01:17
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you Rui!
Welcome aboard. 🙂
31 May 2023, 09:52
Slavo Hazucha
Well - with every step this gets closer & closer to building an actual Hind helicopter... 😉
31 May 2023, 11:39
Ludvík Kružík
Welcome, Slavo!
My goal is to make the built model as close as possible to the real machine. 🙂
31 May 2023, 18:13
Mr James
Scratch building 101 from Ludvik. Your dedication to authenticity is admirable. Bloody good work 🙂
31 May 2023, 18:39
Ludvík Kružík
Today I added the missing bits and pieces to the connecting corridor.
31 May 2023, 18:41
bughunter
This amount of detail helps definitely to give the impression of a real machine 👍
31 May 2023, 18:42
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you, mates!
@Mr James
Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate them.
@bughunter
Unfortunately, some of these details won't be very visible. But it wouldn't be the same without them. 😉
31 May 2023, 23:20
Ludvík Kružík
Another little progress.
I've made a padded ceiling for the corridor between the cockpit and the transport cabin.
2 June 2023, 09:43
Ludvík Kružík
I continue to modify other parts of the kit.
3 June 2023, 22:16
Ludvík Kružík
Another partial progress in the build 🙂
6 June 2023, 20:42
Łukasz Gliński
Oh wow, that's an extensive refactor of an old kit. Hats off Ludviku! 👍
7 June 2023, 08:11
Neil
Gosh! This is fabulously accomplished work... Following with great interest 👍 Obviously I love an old (vintage!) kit being worked up! And with your skills Ludvik the end result is highly anticipated 👍
7 June 2023, 08:16
Alec K
The wire clamp is genious 👍
7 June 2023, 11:03
Ludvík Kružík
Welcome, Łukasz and Neil! Thank you for your kind comments 🙂
I have been planning to build this model for a long time. And when I found instructions on Czech modelling forum how to deflect the fuselage to make the model match the reality, it was decided. I was so impressed with the fuselage deflection procedure that I decided to try it. And since I had gone to the trouble of deflecting the fuselage, I decided to try to fix the other shape errors in this model (at least the ones I can fix). I recognize that with the existence of a good quality kit of this helicopter from Zvezda (the Eduard kit contains the same Zvezda parts), working on rebuilding this kit may seem like a waste of time. But the thing is, I love these rebuilds and even though they aren't perfect, I have a great time doing them. 😉
7 June 2023, 22:35
Ludvík Kružík
Alec, a wire clamp is basically improvisation. Once glued to the fuselage, the air intake section had to be held in place until the glue dried. The modeling clamp was unusable in this case, it was impossible to attach it so that the clamp would push the glued part to the back of the tail and down at the same time. So using wire was a simple solution that met all the requirements without fail 😄.
7 June 2023, 22:50
Ludvík Kružík
Although the cockpit seats are adapted for seated parachutists, due to the low altitude of operational flights, the crew did not usually use parachutes. Instead of a parachute, a part with a padded seat cushion was then inserted into the seat. Therefore, I made the seats with this padded part.
12 June 2023, 21:45
Villiers de Vos
Very nice progress.
13 June 2023, 08:03
bughunter
Nice seats and interesting information about the parachutes! Will the rotor be blown away when they want to get out?
13 June 2023, 08:09
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you, Villiers!

@bughunter
When we talk about the Mil Mi-24 helicopter, we should keep two things in mind.
First - the Mi-24 is a Russian machine
Second - its design was designed in the second half of the 60s. The first prototype flew in 1971 and the "D" version went into production in 1973, 50 years ago.
Russian (Soviet) aircraft designs are known for their expediency, everything is subordinated to the purpose and you won't find anything unnecessary. Crew comfort and safety are only marginally addressed and only to the extent necessary.

The crew rescue system, as we know it from modern Western designs, is not in the MI-24. Its seats are not ejection seats. The pilot's seat and the gunner's seat are only modified to allow sitting on them with a parachute attached. The flight engineer does not have a seat either (in Czech Mi-24 crews used an improvised seat in the corridor between the cockpit and the transport cabin). The flight engineer has his parachute placed in the transport cabin.

In case of serious damage to the helicopter, the rotor blades cannot be dropped. The crew would be rescued from the helicopter much like the pilots in World War II. The pilot would exit through the open door on the right side of the cabin, the gunner through the open door to his cabin, and the flight engineer through the open door to the transport cabin on the left or right side. All this with the rotor spinning overhead and the auxiliary wings behind the back.
That this is not a good solution is evidenced by one of the few known cases where a Russian crew attempted to jump out of a helicopter. Two crew members were killed and one suffered serious injuries.
13 June 2023, 21:27
Ludvík Kružík
The console with the control levers is ready. 🙂
13 June 2023, 21:49
Ludvík Kružík
I finished the rear cabin (for the helicopter pilot) and started adding equipment to the front cabin (for the gunner).
Unlike the cockpit for the pilot, where I used photo-etched sheet metal parts, I will have to make a lot of new parts in the front cockpit for the gunner.
16 June 2023, 20:52
Ludvík Kružík
I'm continuing work on the gunner's cabin.
17 June 2023, 18:21
Ludvík Kružík
The instruments and equipment on the starboard side of the cockpit for the gunner are in place.
18 June 2023, 21:46
Alec K
Solid progress on the interior spaces 👍
19 June 2023, 11:08
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you Alec! Progress on the interior continues.
I spent this afternoon gluing a lot of little pieces... and then gluing even smaller pieces on top of them... making a scope for the gunner's cockpit.
19 June 2023, 21:57
bughunter
Uff - forgot yesterday to save my comment 🙁
You re doing a great job detailing this heli 👍
21 June 2023, 18:29
Shar Dipree
Yes, awesome detailing!
21 June 2023, 18:31
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you my friends, I appreciate it very much.

There are just a few last details to finish the gunner's cabin. Then I'll continue with the cockpit covers.
21 June 2023, 20:48
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you all for the likes.
21 June 2023, 21:46
Ludvík Kružík
Nothing to photograph yet. I got to my "favorite" discipline, cabin masking. Since I don't have a cutting plotter or the original Monogram/Revell masks, I have no choice but to mask by gradually measuring, cutting and taping masking tape. And since I'll have both cabs open, I'll be masking both the outside and the inside. So far, I've masked off the hard part of the front cab cover from the inside.

While I'm masking the cab, I'm thinking about how to make "ridges" for the air distribution that blows away from the cab and prevents it from fogging up.
23 June 2023, 08:27
Ludvík Kružík
Another slight advancement in kit construction.
27 June 2023, 23:06
bughunter
Pic 148 looks like there is a real green light inside! 👍
28 June 2023, 18:36
Ludvík Kružík
@bughunter
Glad you like it.

I'm taking baby steps, but I'm moving forward. Today I finished installing the defogging system for the glass cockpit gunner cover.
28 June 2023, 20:12
Robert Podkoński
That's a superdetailed mastermodeller work - keep it up, Ludviku!
29 June 2023, 05:04
Zsolt Czegle
Awesome detailed "sick" work!!! 👍👍👍
29 June 2023, 05:19
Ludvík Kružík
@Robert
@Zsolt
Thank you both for your kind posts. It's a great motivation for me to continue my work. 🙂

I try to make the interior of the helicopter as close to reality as possible. Thanks to the selfless help of a Czech colleague I got very detailed photos. After studying the photos I found that there are many details in the cockpits that I didn't know about. That's why the work on the interior started to take a bit longer.

I have already finished the cockpit for the gunner-operator, now I am working on the cockpit for the captain-pilot. It's extra work, I have to make new, mostly very small parts, but it would be a great pity not to use detailed photos with information about the appearance of the interior of the helicopter. I'm a bit disappointed that some of the details are so small (in the 1:48 scale the model is in) that I can't produce them without simplifying, but I've come to terms with that. 😉
29 June 2023, 09:21
Jennifer Franklin
mind-blowing Ludviku, absolutely mind-blowing
30 June 2023, 09:25
Ludvík Kružík
Jennifer, thank you for your interest in my build and your comment.
30 June 2023, 22:25
Ludvík Kružík
I added a glass defogging system to the captain's cockpit.
30 June 2023, 22:55
Alexander
Absolutely breathtaking results - I am really in awe of your scratch-building skills! 👍👍👍
Definitely looking forward to the rest of the build.
1 July 2023, 12:38
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you Alexander, welcome aboard.
1 July 2023, 19:12
Ludvík Kružík
After I finished both cockpits, I glued on their transparent covers.
1 July 2023, 19:35
Bruce Huxtable
I'm very impressed by your detailed knowledge of the real deal, and your efforts to recreate so much in your creation. There is so much going on inside, is there any space left for the crew? 😉
1 July 2023, 19:58
Ludvík Kružík
Bruce, thank you for your kind words.

You're right, both cockpits are crammed with lots of instruments and controls. The design of this helicopter dates back to the late '60s. The machine doesn't have many of the conveniences we're familiar with in western designs. Most of the functions are operated manually, at best semi-automatically. To give you an idea, there are over 300 controls and instruments in both cockpits and the flight engineer's station. A relatively large number of controls are grouped together and can be operated together with a single lever, but there are still enough to keep the crew busy during the flight.
1 July 2023, 20:49
Ludvík Kružík
Work on the model continues. I glued the transparent cabin covers and some small parts on the fuselage.
2 July 2023, 22:11
Villiers de Vos
Very nice progress.
3 July 2023, 07:25
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you, Villiers. I try to work on the model every day for a little while, if time permits. 😉
3 July 2023, 09:57
Ludvík Kružík
No pictures today. There was nothing to take pictures of.
I lightly sanded the joint between the cabin and fuselage overlays. I also sanded the entire fuselage with fine sandpaper and prepared it for surfacer spray. I'll spray the surfacer tomorrow if I can. And I may be able to engrave new lines on part of the fuselage. We'll see.
3 July 2023, 21:05
Desert Marlin
Looks great so far!
4 July 2023, 03:36
Ludvík Kružík
Mark, welcome!

I've started carving new lines for the hull.
4 July 2023, 20:28
Ludvík Kružík
In between engraving new lines on the helicopter fuselage, I am gradually modifying other parts that I will need when I finish engraving.
7 July 2023, 08:07
Ludvík Kružík
I finished engraving the new lines on the fuselage and glued some minor surface details to the modified fuselage.
9 July 2023, 20:02
Agnius
Impressive!
9 July 2023, 20:37
Villiers de Vos
Very nice progress.
10 July 2023, 06:29
Ludvík Kružík
@Agnius, @Villiers
Thank you for your kind posts and I hope you continue to enjoy my modelling.
10 July 2023, 09:49
Ludvík Kružík
I've added photos of today's progress.
10 July 2023, 22:32
Ludvík Kružík
I spent this afternoon making the main landing gear.
12 July 2023, 21:23
Robert Podkoński
That's pure madness, Ludviku! Keep it up! 😄
13 July 2023, 06:10
Ludvík Kružík
Robert, you may be right. I think the current heat is to blame for my insanity. 😄 😄 😄
Now comes the even crazier stuff - the manufacture of hydraulic manifolds and landing gear tilting mechanism.
13 July 2023, 08:15
Ludvík Kružík
I started to make details for the main landing gear space.
13 July 2023, 21:02
Ludvík Kružík
Further advances in chassis detailing.
14 July 2023, 23:17
Ludvík Kružík
The first stage of work on the space for the landing gear is complete. 🙂
15 July 2023, 21:59
Ludvík Kružík
Further progress in model building. I added wings to the fuselage and sprayed the whole model with surfacer.
16 July 2023, 19:40
Rando
Incredible build, learning a lot about the Hind and modeling in detail
17 July 2023, 02:00
Ludvík Kružík
Welcome, Rando! I'm glad you like my build, and I hope you have a good time.
17 July 2023, 10:33
Rando
It's very cool and also inspiration for my own F-8 Crusader build, which I'm attempting some scratchbuilding and modifications on. Definitely taking notes here!
17 July 2023, 11:02
Alec K
I see that the "great revealer" has been applied 🙂. This thing is getting to the finish line and it's going to look awesome 👍
17 July 2023, 12:35
Ludvík Kružík
@Rando
I'm really glad that building my model inspires you and I wish you that the F-8 Crusader will turn out the way you want.

@Alec K
Thank you for the kind words. Finishing won't be so fast. There is still a lot of work to do on the model ...
And I'm going on a short vacation in the middle of this week, so work on the model will stop for a few days.
18 July 2023, 11:18
Ludvík Kružík
I'm back from a short vacation. I missed Hind already, so as soon as I had some time I started working again. 😄
26 July 2023, 20:36
inkilas32
Wow.... I've never seen anybody so dedicated to a model.. Your work is amazing, you should run a youtube channel!
27 July 2023, 06:51
Ludvík Kružík
inkilas32 Welcome! Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it very much. It's an encouragement for me to keep working.

I don't intend to have my own YouTube channel (at least in the near future). There are several reasons, but the main one is that making quality videos is time consuming. I prefer to spend that time building my models. 😉
27 July 2023, 09:48
Ludvík Kružík
There has not been much progress today. I sanded off the putty at the wing/fuselage transition with fine sandpaper. After spraying the sanded areas with surfacer, there were a few spots that needed minor repairs. I reapplied putty to the damaged areas.
I finished the day's work where I started it. The circle has come full circle. 😄
27 July 2023, 17:36
Ludvík Kružík
So I added a job because of my stupidity. When I sanded the transitions between the wings and the fuselage, I tried so hard that I sanded the trailing edges of the wings into an arc. It wasn't catastrophic, but it was visible. So now I have to fix it.
Oh well... there's a price to pay for stupidity.
28 July 2023, 08:53
Ludvík Kružík
The repair of the trailing edges of the wings was successful, so I can continue working. 🙂
28 July 2023, 11:18
Villiers de Vos
All the parts blends in nicely.
28 July 2023, 14:39
Ludvík Kružík
@Villiers
It was a delay, but I think the fix was pretty successful. 😉
__________________________________
Thank you all for watching and your likes.
28 July 2023, 15:31
Ludvík Kružík
I started riveting.
28 July 2023, 17:28
bughunter
The effort you have put into this model is simply unbelievable!
28 July 2023, 19:07
Alexander
Agreed, but well worth it in the end considering how it looks already.
28 July 2023, 20:18
Ludvík Kružík
@bughunter
Yes, I spent a lot of time on this model and modified or made many parts. But that's what I enjoy most about it. I don't consider it time wasted, but time spent having great fun. 🙂
As far as I can tell, you enjoy building models too. I can't imagine you building your beautiful models if you didn't enjoy it 😉.

@Alexander
Thank you for your kind post. Even though I know my model won't be perfect, I try to make it look as good as possible.
29 July 2023, 12:02
John
Ludvik, looking really good. I have to say the desire to improve a kit, even if a more recent one is available is quite strong! At least if it can be made into a good model...some are nearly beyond hope like a Lindbergh F-11F for example. I "did my time" with the monogram Mi-24 many years ago and sadly binned it later after completion or I would post but my efforts were not nearly so extensive as yours. I have the Zvezda kit now because I don't want to "do it all again" but the lack of rivets is a well known issue with it, so a question: where did you obtain the prints you are using as a rivet guide? I'm not afraid of a rivet tool and don't want to pay so much for a set of the rivet decals!
29 July 2023, 17:17
Ludvík Kružík
John, thank you for your interest in my build. For riveting I use drawings from the "4+" publication dedicated to the Mi-24. I also have drawings that I have gradually traced on the Internet.
29 July 2023, 22:28
ice
Pure art! Just pure art! 👍
31 July 2023, 15:01
Ludvík Kružík
I finished riveting. Now I have to sand the whole hull with fine sandpaper. This will remove the extruded material on the edges of the rivets.
31 July 2023, 15:02
Ludvík Kružík
I sprayed white primer on the cleaned hull.
31 July 2023, 18:33
Ludvík Kružík
I ended today's day by spraying the preshading.
31 July 2023, 19:09
Ludvík Kružík
@led
Thank you, for your kind words. I really appreciate it. 🙂
31 July 2023, 20:44
Ludvík Kružík
I sprayed light grey paint on the fuselage and wings of the helicopter.
2 August 2023, 18:48
Alec K
It's coming along! 👍
3 August 2023, 13:00
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you Alec! One step closer to the goal again. But I still have a lot of work to do.

I had an interesting day today. When I was posting the last photos from the model building process on the Czech modelling forum, I found a message with a phone number and the phrase "call me". And so it happened that I had a chat with the pilot of the helicopter I am building. 🙂
3 August 2023, 16:41
Ludvík Kružík
During my conversation with the pilot, I learned that the gray paint on the helicopter was very light (even lighter than the one I used). So I added two more coats of white paint and now the grey is the right shade.
3 August 2023, 17:13
bughunter
What a great surprise to talk to the pilot 👍 That's actually impossible with my projects, but it would be so nice. I would ask so many questions that we can never get an answer to today.

With paint our models will look even nicer.
3 August 2023, 20:21
Ludvík Kružík
You're right, Frank. Talking to the pilot was a big and mostly pleasant surprise. I learned a lot of interesting things. And if our plans work out, we'll meet in person. He'd love to see my model when it's ready.
4 August 2023, 06:30
Ludvík Kružík
As of today, Hind has an orange tail.
4 August 2023, 13:27
Ludvík Kružík
In the evening I still managed to apply some of the decals.
4 August 2023, 19:24
bughunter
I hear some voices: "Tiger, Tiger!" 👍
4 August 2023, 19:30
Ludvík Kružík
... and the tiger answers the call, "Where are my stripes?" 😄
4 August 2023, 22:22
Rando
Tigers and sharks on aircraft oh my! I see now why it's called the zipper
5 August 2023, 00:26
Robert Podkoński
So cool! I love all these special liveries on Czech aircraft 🙂
5 August 2023, 07:05
Ludvík Kružík
@Rando
This machine received a special paint job in April 1994 for the 20th anniversary of the Prostejov Helicopter Regiment. Hence the big blue 20s on the fuselage sides. The tiger accessories symbolize belonging to the Tiger Squadron. One of the authors of this paint is a pilot who flew this machine.

@Robert
I also like these special colors. If there is a special paint for the machine I want to build, my model usually gets it. The only exception is very complex paints, unless there are decals for them. Such as the Mi-24V known as the Alien. This paint job is beyond my capabilities and decals (unfortunately) do not exist.
5 August 2023, 13:39
Ludvík Kružík
I finished the tiger tail today. I must commend KoPro for the quality of the decals. The color matching is excellent, the small lettering is legible. Although the decals are beautifully thin, they don't break or tear, the color of the model doesn't show through, and they follow the surface beautifully once applied. Placing them on the model requires detective work in places, but with a little research it can be done.
5 August 2023, 17:26
Alexander
Coming together excellently! 👍
5 August 2023, 21:56
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you Alexander! Glad you like it.
6 August 2023, 10:16
Shar Dipree
Absolutely incredible work! 👍👍👍👍👍
6 August 2023, 15:46
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you so much for the praise, it made me happy!
6 August 2023, 17:32
Villiers de Vos
Very nice progress.
6 August 2023, 19:21
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you, Williers. I think I've come a long way since I started building the Hind. 🙂
6 August 2023, 19:40
Richard Berrie
Outstanding!
7 August 2023, 04:29
Ludvík Kružík
Richard, thank you for your appreciation. It's an encouragement to my modeling soul. 🙂
14 August 2023, 20:44
Ludvík Kružík
After assembling the decoy targets from PE parts, I found that the parts were too large. So I used parts from the Hind D kit from Eduard. The parts I used are designed for the "Hind V" version and are not needed when building the "D" version (from the Eduard kit).
16 August 2023, 20:45
Ludvík Kružík
I'm continuing the build by manufacturing the launcher for the Falanga missiles.
18 August 2023, 22:04
Villiers de Vos
Your scratch building skills are phenomenal. This project does not cease to amaze me.
19 August 2023, 06:08
Ludvík Kružík
Villiers, I appreciate your compliments. It's very kind of you, and I was pleased to hear it. I enjoy scratch building very much. Unlike "just" building models, it's an activity where I can create new things with my own hands. And that brings me great satisfaction. 🙂 But I think you overestimate my scratch building skills.
20 August 2023, 07:46
Robert Podkoński
Your skills cannot be overestimated, Ludviku!
20 August 2023, 07:58
Ludvík Kružík
Robert, my skills lie in a small amount of skill and a large amount of patience. 😉
-----------
Last time I finished the support frames for the Falanga anti-tank missiles, so today I started building the launcher. I used PE parts from the Eduard interior kit (for the Monogram kit).
So far I have finished one assembly. I have yet to build the second one.
20 August 2023, 20:09
Alexander
Patience is part of the skillset 😉

A skillset that is excellently demonstrated by the launchers - leagues better than the kit offering! 👍
21 August 2023, 00:42
Ludvík Kružík
Frames with anti-tank missile launchers are ready. Unfortunately the Falanga missiles that are in the kit are bad and cannot be used. Instead I will make a set of smoke bombs that were mounted on the launchers for the air show demonstrations. I'll have to make the smoke pipes from scratch, but their shape is very simple, so making them won't be a hassle.
21 August 2023, 21:21
Ludvík Kružík
After small moments, I'm busy building the model. This time it was the turn of the UB-16 rocket launchers. This afternoon I managed to prepare two rocket launchers, the other two will be ready tomorrow.
22 August 2023, 22:33
Ludvík Kružík
This week I'm in a bad way with free time, somehow I'm not getting enough time to model. I just managed to modify the remaining two rocket launchers. So not much progress . 🙁
24 August 2023, 21:43
Ludvík Kružík
Over the weekend I painted the rocket launchers and made new smoke tubes.
28 August 2023, 08:29
bughunter
The saga continues 👍
29 August 2023, 20:18
Jennifer Franklin
Glad you found some time
29 August 2023, 21:01
Ludvík Kružík
I'm back from vacation and again I'm continuing to work on the model. 🙂
10 September 2023, 20:48
John
Those launcher racks are amazing. I know how small those things are and that is some really delicate detail work!
11 September 2023, 03:30
Alec K
Welcome back! More info on the accessory test set please. Self made, or what?
12 September 2023, 12:59
Ludvík Kružík
Alec, you managed to ask while I was writing a message with more information 🙂.

The kit is made by 3D printing method, it is designed for 1:48 model by Zvezda and includes parts for modification of the model to Mi-24D version. The kit includes a rotary machine gun, sensors under the nose with targeting optics and homing antennas for the Falanga anti-tank missiles, 2 pieces of launchers for the Falanga missiles, cases for decoy targets and 2 pieces of the front landing reflector cover.

The kit, sent to me by a friend to try out (as I'm currently building a Hind), is a test copy and will be for sale once the minor details are fine-tuned. It will be available for purchase from MH models.
12 September 2023, 13:58
Ludvík Kružík
For this model, I decided to use a launcher that I made before the test kit was delivered. I will keep the parts of the new launcher from the test kit to build another Hind from the Eduard/Zvezda kit.
I've been short on time lately, so work on the model is progressing slowly. But there is a little progress. I finished one launcher and added a set of smoke tubes to it, used at air days.
13 September 2023, 21:18
Alec K
👍 👍 👍
13 September 2023, 23:41
Ludvík Kružík
🙂🙂🙂
13 September 2023, 23:43
Ludvík Kružík
The work is progressing slowly due to lack of time. 🙁
But there is some progress.
19 September 2023, 06:51
Ludvík Kružík
My free time is slowly returning to normal and work on the model is starting to pick up speed. 🙂
19 September 2023, 23:38
Ludvík Kružík
Yesterday I repainted a few small parts with paint, repainted the silver rocket launchers white and the inside of the cargo door grey-blue. After the paint dried I still managed to glass the top half of the doors.
And today I finished the open cargo door.
21 September 2023, 19:14
Alec K
It's almost there!
23 September 2023, 19:36
Villiers de Vos
Phenomenal. A beautiful miniature.
23 September 2023, 20:26
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you, mates. 🙂

Just need to finish the landing gear and add some small details. But it's the small details that take the most work.
24 September 2023, 18:16
Ludvík Kružík
I didn't get to model this weekend. But this afternoon it was better.
I added airtight seals to the edges of the open cargo door and then started work on the landing gear.
25 September 2023, 20:55
Rando
Now is this one of the export Hinds with fixed gear?
25 September 2023, 23:05
Ludvík Kružík
Rando, this machine has a retractable chassis.

On my model the chassis is not yet finished. I still need to add the electrical cables, hydraulic lines and open landing gear shaft covers.
... and of course the wheels.
26 September 2023, 08:25
Ludvík Kružík
The front landing gear leg is almost complete. All that's left is to add the cover, the cover closing rods and the wheels.
29 September 2023, 22:54
Ludvík Kružík
I finished the front landing gear leg. The last thing that's still missing are the wheels. I'll add those when the main chassis is done as well.
30 September 2023, 20:23
Ludvík Kružík
Small correction. When I finished the front undercarriage shaft and posted the photos on the Czech modelling forum, I got the information that the piping in the rear part of the shaft is not beige, but light grey. So as always the correct information comes late. Fortunately it can still be corrected. Then the front landing gear will actually be finished.
30 September 2023, 20:53
Shar Dipree
I find it indescribable what you conjure up with the old kit. I'm really excited when the Mi-24 is ready. Plus a chic special paint job (I'm a fan of special paint jobs)
1 October 2023, 08:22
Ludvík Kružík
Shar Dipree thank you for your kind words. I appreciate them very much.
I like specialty polishes. Some of them are very nice. If there is an option for a special paint job, I prefer it over the regular military markings.
1 October 2023, 08:46
Ludvík Kružík
A mistake in the colour of the hydraulic pipe in the front chassis shaft has been corrected. It is now a light grey colour. The error was due to the poorer quality of the photos I had available. The photos were taken in poorer lighting conditions and the light grey colour looked like light beige in them.
1 October 2023, 08:52
Alexander
I am just silently watching here as I am too much in awe with your scratch-building skills.
1 October 2023, 19:33
Ludvík Kružík
Alexander, your words are very flattering. I'm very happy about them and I appreciate them. I enjoy scratch-building very much. I like creative work. That's why I like to invent and make small accessories for my models. The most work I do is figuring out what to make and how to make it. The production itself is not that difficult.
1 October 2023, 20:54
Ludvík Kružík
As of tonight, the Hind stands on its own two feet. A few small things (landing gear shaft covers, indicator lights on the main landing gear legs, red marks on the wheels) remain to be added and the landing gear will be ready. 🙂
1 October 2023, 21:33
Rando
Your work continues to inspire my own, Ludvik! Definitely going to try elastic sewing thread. Always enjoy seeing new updates on this amazing model
2 October 2023, 03:55
Ludvík Kružík
Rando, thank you for your kind words. I am very pleased that my way of building the model inspires you. 🙂

I bought the elastic sewing thread (picture 366) mainly for making various ropes, such as antennas or rigging on old aircraft types.
This elastic sewing thread is thin and strong enough. It stretches less than modeling elastic thread. However, unlike modeling elastic thread, this sewing thread is braided from several filaments and therefore its surface is more similar to steel rope, which has also been braided from several thin filaments. I don't know if the sewing thread mentioned is available in your area. In any case, be careful when choosing a sewing thread. The thread must be made of man-made fibres. Threads made of natural materials are not suitable because they are hairy.
2 October 2023, 10:33
CaptGPF
Wow! So much scratch building and mods on such a basic kit to make it shine! You sir, are a penultimate modeler who exemplifies the saying that the end result is not the kit, it's the modeler!
2 October 2023, 15:37
Ludvík Kružík
CaptGPF thank you so much for the compliment! It's a motivation for me to keep working.

With a bit of exaggeration I dare to apply the saying about women to modelers:
There are no bad kits, only unimaginative modelers. 😄
3 October 2023, 11:44
John
I still find it hard to believe this is the same old Monogram kit. It's looking amazing, Ludvik. I will slightly disagree with you about bad kits. The Lindbergh F-11F is terrible. 😉
5 October 2023, 00:39
Ludvík Kružík
John, thank you so much for the compliment. I appreciate it. I can assure you that it is still an old Monogram kit and there has been no secret swap for a better model. 😉

My words about bad kits were meant with a degree of hyperbole. Of course there are really bad kits. It's just that the threshold for when it's bad is somewhere different for every modeler.
5 October 2023, 07:16
Rando
Funny you mention John, I actually built that one earlier this year to practice building and painting 50-60s navy scheme. Was indeed a pig but it looks good enough hanging in my son's bedroom. You'd really have to love the plane to go above and beyond on that kit.

Gear is looking beautiful, Ludvik!! Nice decal on the gear door too.
5 October 2023, 22:14
Ludvík Kružík
Rando, that's really a coincidence. John mentioned the F-11F in response to my edited quote about models and modelers.

The nameplate has the names of the people involved in the special paint job on this helicopter.
5 October 2023, 22:46
Ludvík Kružík
The landing gear is complete. It's time to move on to the other details. 🙂
6 October 2023, 07:53
Ludvík Kružík
Hind already has his first weapon - a rotary machine gun 🙂
8 October 2023, 22:00
Ludvík Kružík
The helicopter armament is ready for final assembly. I am now continuing the manufacture of the cockpits doors.
11 October 2023, 22:41
Villiers de Vos
Your fantastic detail work continues.
12 October 2023, 05:45
Ludvík Kružík
Yes, Villiers, work is continuing on the model. Time is pressing. I'd like to show off the finished model at a small non-competitive show my friend is hosting in early November. So I have three weeks to finish the model. So far it looks like I might be able to make it.
12 October 2023, 09:59
Ludvík Kružík
I am gradually finishing and adding the last missing parts for the helicopter.
18 October 2023, 20:33
Ludvík Kružík
I'm continuing work on the rotors. The rotors are not finished yet, but I was curious and took a picture of them mounted on the model. With the rotors on, the Hind already looks like a helicopter. 🙂
20 October 2023, 20:17
LUKAS Hrubes
super prace, obdivuji každy krok na MF
20 October 2023, 20:41
Ludvík Kružík
Lukas, thank you for your interest and admiration. I will soon add more photos of the continuation of the model building. 😉
20 October 2023, 21:12
Ludvík Kružík
I'm continuing final work on the helicopter. The finish line is in sight. 🙂
23 October 2023, 23:07
Ludvík Kružík
Further advances in model building ...
25 October 2023, 21:18
Alec K
I know I said "it's almost there" a month ago, so it's high time to repeat it… 😂😂😂. Looking great, of course 👍
26 October 2023, 12:15
Ludvík Kružík
Thanks Alec, you're much closer to the truth this time. It's only a short distance to the finish line.
27 October 2023, 22:02
Ludvík Kružík
Work on the model continues with full commitment. 🙂
27 October 2023, 22:17
Rando
Amazing detail Ludvik. You continue to motivate me through my own Monogram build.
27 October 2023, 22:35
Villiers de Vos
A class in master model making.
28 October 2023, 05:36
Ludvík Kružík
Randa, I'm very flattered that you find motivation in following my modeling.
30 October 2023, 13:05
Ludvík Kružík
Villiers, you are too lenient, but I am still very pleased with your words. 🙂
30 October 2023, 13:05
Ludvík Kružík
Work on the model continues at a nice pace. Only a few minor details remain to be completed. The target is in sight. 🙂
30 October 2023, 19:21
Shar Dipree
I wish you that everything goes well.
30 October 2023, 20:23
Ludvík Kružík
Shar Dipree thank you, I try to make the result as good as possible.
30 October 2023, 21:41
Ludvík Kružík
Tonight I finished applying the stencil decals to the underside of the main rotor blades. The stencils are 130 in total, they are really tiny and their application requires good nerves and a lot of time. But the result is worth the effort.

I already know what not to look forward to when I build the next Hind. 😛
30 October 2023, 22:09
Ludvík Kružík
Today I finished the last adjustments to the model and added the missing details. The model is finished.
As soon as I have time to take photos, I will add a new separate album with photos of the finished model.
1 November 2023, 22:38
Rando
It's one spectacular whirlybird, Ludvik, made all the better by everything we saw you add to it. I learned a lot about the Hind. My favorite part is probably the really bizarre asymmetric fuselage, which I had no idea about--makes this unique and distinctive helicopter all the more weird and cool. And the fact that you successfully modified the kit so it would accurately reflect this is so neat, definitely helped show me how much is possible in this hobby. I think I want to build a Hind someday! Excited to see the photoshoot
1 November 2023, 23:12
Robert Podkoński
Congrats, Ludviku! Awesome job!
2 November 2023, 07:19
Curatorm
Awesome...
2 November 2023, 08:02
Jakub Fiala
Very nicely done, Ludvíku! Excellent detailling. Looking forward to see it on saturday.
2 November 2023, 08:57
Alec K
Rando said it all, I can only echo his words. A commendable effort indeed 👍
2 November 2023, 18:24
Alexander
Speechless - that is all I can say. 😉
And that I am eagerly awaiting more pictures!
2 November 2023, 19:43
Shar Dipree
Highend - congratulations on this phenomenally great result. 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍
2 November 2023, 20:06
Łukasz Gliński
Outstanding job mate 👍
2 November 2023, 20:34
Ludvík Kružík
Rando, I'm very flattered by your words. I'm really glad that you were inspired by my build and that I was able to expand your knowledge of this interesting helicopter.

And if you want to build a model of this helicopter, without all the heavy modifications and repairs, I recommend the Eduard or Zvezda kits (both kits contain the same plastic parts, Eduard has more accessories). It will save you a lot of work.
2 November 2023, 22:21
Ludvík Kružík
Mates, thank you all so much for your interest and popdoru in watching this build. I really appreciate it and look forward to seeing you again for some of my other projects.
2 November 2023, 22:26
TH SCALE MODELS (Thomas Haberl)
Chapeau, Ludvik! I already told you that your are a little bit crazy, right? 😄 ... congratulations on consequently going your way on this build from the very first step to final stage! And the result is awesome!
3 November 2023, 10:04
Ludvík Kružík
Yes, Tomas, you already told me I was crazy 😄 And you weren't the only one who wondered why I was wasting my time with this old kit and its complicated modifications. Especially when there is a much better model from Eduard/Zvezda.
The reason for this build was pretty simple, I like to scratch out new parts and small details and modifying old kits is something I really enjoy. I don't claim to have perfect control of my builds, but it's enough for my needs and satisfaction.
I plan to build Eduard's Hind as well, so I'll be able to compare how much better this kit is. If I built the Eduard kit first, then I wouldn't want to get into modifying the Monogram kit.
3 November 2023, 12:07
TH SCALE MODELS (Thomas Haberl)
It's never wasting time … modelling is all about the journey 😊 for sure there are mor detailed kits on the market, but they all don't give you what you added to this old one … 💪
4 November 2023, 12:01
Ludvík Kružík
Thomas, you've captured exactly why I love the "crazy" modelling I did with Hind. 😉
4 November 2023, 22:47
Ludvík Kružík
Yesterday (Saturday 4.11.2023) my Hind had its public premiere. I brought it to a non-competitive modelers meeting connected with a public model exhibition, which was organized by my friend.
I was pleased that some visitors to the event thought my model was built from a Zvezda kit. 🙂
5 November 2023, 08:55
CaptGPF
Well done! I love the final result! The details definitely transformed this kit into a gem!
5 November 2023, 16:36
Ludvík Kružík
CaptGPF thank you for your words of praise. I'm glad you like the model. 🙂
6 November 2023, 00:24
Ludvík Kružík
Album with photos of the finished model is finished, you can find it here: Mi-24D Czech Air Force, 4011 Zipper - first design - Completed | Album by KLuK (1:48)
6 November 2023, 00:28
Villiers de Vos
Simply fantastic, Well done.
6 November 2023, 03:22
Spanjaard
a ton of amazing details added, what s great job
7 November 2023, 22:07
Ludvík Kružík
Thank you! 🙂
7 November 2023, 23:45

Album info

It's been a while since the Academy's Mig-21PF conversion and I've been longing for a similar "proper" conversion. I was rummaging through my stash and found this gem - a vintage Mi-24 quarter kit from Monogram. In the box I also discovered the accessories that I gradually bought after purchasing it. Two sets of Eduardo sheet metal, one for the interior and one for the exterior, a CMK resin conversion kit with the correct wings and other useful details, resin wheels, a rotary machine gun and pitot, and decals for machine #4011 Zipper Tiger.
According to the model database on Scalemates, the kit is from 1987. I have a slightly newer pack in a 2001 box. The kit corresponds to the time when it was made. The shortcomings and inaccuracies of this kit are well known and have been sufficiently described in many reviews. So I have a pretty clear idea what I'm getting into. I have a lot of cutting, extensive modification and fabrication of some parts ahead of me... just the way I like it... I'm looking forward to it. 🙂

480 images
1:48
Completed
1:48 Mil-24 Hind Gunship (Monogram 5819)1:48 Mi-24 V/P Armament Set (CMK 4080)1:48 Mi-24 Hind - Exterior (Eduard 48266)5+

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