1:35 Mi-8 Hip weapon mounting frame with BD3-57KrV (UKRAINE Late) for Trumpeter kit (2 pcs)

Mi-8 Hip — weapon mounting frame with BD3-57KrV, late version (Ukraine), 1:35, Reskit

This set is NOT a kit of the helicopter. It is a 3D-printed detail accessory from the Reskit brand containing 2 pieces — the left and right side weapon frame, that is, the truss frames for both sides of the fuselage. The set is shaped for the Trumpeter plastic kit in 1:35 scale and, besides the resin parts, it contains small photo-etched parts, a clear part and self-adhesive templates for drilling the mounting holes.

What the BD3-57KrV does to the Mi-8

The BD3-57KrV is a pylon — a rack for carrying stores. Pods of unguided rockets, bombs and other weapon containers are hung on it. On the Mi-8 it does not sit directly on the fuselage: it is carried by a truss frame on each side, and on each side there are three pylons. A helicopter that otherwise carries soldiers and cargo is thereby turned into an armed machine able to support its own landing party. That is why the set contains two frames — the armament is fitted symmetrically on the left and on the right.

Late and early version — beware of confusing them

Reskit issued two forms of the same frame for the same kit: this late Ukrainian version and the early version (USSR/Ukraine), which exists as a separate item. They differ in the form and fittings of the frame according to period and user. From the manufacturer's instructions it follows that the early version carries an additional instrument block with a clear optical window on the frame, whereas in this late version that block is absent; the rest of the frame structure is very similar. Before buying, therefore, check the photographic documentation of the particular machine you are building — for Ukrainian Mi-8s of the later period reach for this set, and for Soviet and early machines for the early version. The sets are not interchangeable, although their names are almost identical.

Building and painting tips

Reckon with a fine truss structure. Resin cannot be bonded with thin cement for plastic, which melts polystyrene — make the joints with super glue (cyanoacrylate), and stressed places rather with epoxy. First wash the parts in lukewarm water with detergent and dry them, otherwise residual mold release agent will not let the paint adhere. Cut the print supports off; do not break them. Do the sanding exclusively wet — dry resin dust is harmful to health. The thin struts of the frame break more easily than you expect, so attach them at the end, after painting and weathering the fuselage.

Who the set is for

• Builders of Ukrainian Mi-8s of the later period in 1:35
• Owners of the Mi-8 kit from Trumpeter who want the armed version
• Creators of dioramas with a helicopter carrying rocket pods
• More experienced modelers used to working with 3D printing and photo-etch

The accessory is supplied unassembled and unpainted. It is not a model of the helicopter — the base kit, the armament, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.