Mil Mi-8 MTV-2 Afghanistan 1:72

I always wanted an armored Mi-8 helicopter. So when I saw the Ark Model kit, I immediately decided to buy one.

**The kit** is basically a well-known HobbyBoss with one additional sprue. We all know that HobbyBoss/Trumpeter kits are not accurate, but this one is quite OK - it represents the Mi-8MT pretty well and very easy to assemble. So I used the sprue from Ark only to replace the engine dust filters, antennas, and add armament suspension rods.

- The surface details are not sophisticated and accurate but for quick build they are just fine.
- Fit is great, and small parts precisely connect to each other - no pain at all. You don't even need to glue some of them, like the tail rotor assembly.
- There are no interior painting instructions, but the interior is very basic; I didn't touched it because I didn't find any suitable aftermarket, and I'm not skilled enough to do scratch-building.

I've replaced the kit wheels with rubber ones from Equipage, and used Kabuki masks from IBG (they are mediocre but not expensive). For armament, I've chosen the 3D-printed B8V20 from ResKit - they are just awesome.

For painting, I've followed Vallejo recommendations but mixed Medium Olive with USAF Olive Drab 1:1 to achieve more olive tint, as per reference photos I have.

Decals are mixed: kit ones (very high quality, from Begemot) and very old Mi-17 decals also from Begemot.

So far I've spent 5 weeks working 1-3 hours almost every day. It was quite an easy build, and the result is appealing.

Please let me know what you're thinking about the result, I value every vote and comment.