Hi all,

Another build from me for the Merdeka Group Build. The MIL Mi-8T used by the BOMBA and the model kit used is a 1/72 scale from Revell. Hopefully this can be finished in a few days for the Merdeka event.





I'm actually pushing my limits in building 6 models for this Merdeka GB. Being a model from Revell, I foresee some problems like fitting and fleshing plus some sink molds but to my surprise, this model kit has more problems to offer... :lol:

Coming up next... the errors... <_<

The first error that I find is the fitting for the engine cover. Take a look at the instruction given by Revell below:




Note that in the first picture I have circled and written "upside down" there? The part should be fitted the other way around and not as per the instruction :angry: . I was lucky that I realize the mistake before the glue is set, otherwise I have to scrap this build. The actual thing should look like the box art and I have corrected it. There are also a little gap on the cover that I put a thin plastic plate to close it.



As if that is not enough, when I've attached both the two parts, there are more errors to be found. First of all, take note on the panel lines on the parts below, the panel lines is about 1mm off from each lines... <_< Need to fill and rescribe it.




Then it happens... the carpet monster strikes again!!!... I accidentally drop the parts for the air duct on the chopper and it is lost forever... The funny thing is the floor of my modeling room is covered only by plastic/rubber flooring. So, I get my plastic tubes (lucky the ones I have is exactly the same size) and cut some to replace the missing part.



Next... tackling the front... ;)

Now is where the front is added with the bulge thingy... :lol:

Oh, before I forget, another task that I need to do to build this chopper.... Any idea how do I tackle this???

Sanding and refitting should work but if there are any other ideas, I'm open for it.

Now, back to the regular program... :lol: adding the bulge.

I'm not sure whether I've done this correctly or not but I'll try to get it right in a very limited time, wish me luck...

First of all, I mask all the areas that needs the protection from the sandpapers and files (the whole part is clear).


Then I add some thin plastic sheet to cover the areas where the bulge is to be added.


When that is done, I take a plastic tube, cut into size and shape and press it until it turns into an oval shape. Then I glued it onto the part.



Then add some putty to fill in the gaps.


That's all. The parts has been smoothed but no pictures are taken... sorry.

Now, the group pictures... :lol:
Some of the assembled parts (the body are only dry-fitted)

The MIG's and Sukhoi's also wanted to "enter frame"... :lol:

You and Loo both competing to have the most entries for the Merdeka GB. I truly 'tabik' you guys.

Nice progress so far. All the best in fixing the problems with the kit. These photos reminded me of why I stayed away from aircraft kits :D

I'll second Adrian, kudos to you Imran for both quantity and quality contributions.

I actually found some of the wording of your pics humorous although I guess you are being funny after all the frustrations. I suppose its better to laugh then cry. Me I would be sending this one off to the big Tepee in the sky with a 21-gun salute a.k.a. namely strapped with a lot of Chinese New Year crackers.

Seriously though I think your SBS guide here will be very useful for any modeler having the same kit. They will benefit from your ingenious ways of overcoming the errors inherrent in the kit.

Thanks for sharing and may the Force be with you.

Imran, one more thing you should note is that our bomba uses the Mi-17. Although it looks similar to the Mi-8, there is one big difference. The tail rotor is on the opposite side.

cheers

mmm....very bad fitting,don't worry bro,you will learn more from a bad thing rather than good one,believe me.

my sifu said,you are good modeller if you can complete a branded stuff as Tamiya or Hasegawa.
you are a good and smart modeler if you can complete an old technology or very bad kits like what you have now.
And you are a good,smart,intellegent and brilliant modeler if you can change a scrab to the piece of art. ;)

GOOD LUCK ;)

Alpha7: Loo might have the most entries on the "completed builds" category... me... well, I'll settle for "most incomplete" category... (hopefully not lah) :lol:

Regarding the tail rotor, I notice that as Aidy has also pointed that issue to me. The only up side on this kit is that the tail rotor can be attached either way, so, problem solved... :D

There are also some other difference that is quite major other than the bulge in front and the positioning of the tail rotor. The BOMBA's has a cover on both the intake on top plus there are two nozzle coming out just above the grill on the main rotor area. The other thing is that the rear wheel has some sort of cover but this will be tackled later during the build. The best model to be converted to BOMBA's without much modification should be the Trumpeter 1/32 scale Mil Mi-8 HIP which has most options available except for the bulge on the nose.

Beachbum: Well, if I am pressuring myself with model building, I might as well quit building... much easier... :lol: I just hope that others that has this model is not discouraged with the problems that I've highlighted.

yeah.. I just want to point it up but youre more faster Alpha7..It more easier if you get the Zvezda Mi-17 kit.(I cant found it in any LHS so far)

anyway nice try bro.Luv to see heli build pops out in this tread. I also had Fujimi Seaking in my hand. Try to build the Nuri in future.

Bytheway, where did you find the decal for this bomba bird??? custom build eh?

Dremel: Yes, I'm not demotivated by the bad fitting. More experience to gain that's all I have to say... :D

Musangpulut: Easier to use the Mi-17 but the only ones that I can find is the Revell ones, plus as I mentioned earlier, the tail rotor attachment is swappable... :D As for the decal... I have signed an MOU with another modeler in here... hahaha... custom print lah what else... same goes to my Harimau Scout car... :lol:

hey!!! I also want a copy of this custom bomba decal ma!!!!!!

Patience... hehehe.. let's wait and see how my builds is progressing and if it can be finished on time shall we... :lol:

Imran,

sempat ke siapkan 6?? mesti macam robot or factory assembly line...
20 guns salute 2 you...

Tu lah pasal... have to look the progress next week. 6 builds in a few days... hopefully sempat lah...

Good luck in building your bomba heli encik druid_99.. Looking forward to see the completed kit.. interesting nie, since I dont even know our bomba also already own their heli :P ..

looks good ......

hope to see it completed soon

rgds
mrb

Ok, I have attached the blades on the rotor and test fit it on to the body. Looks ok.


I have also cut off the seat, interior console and started building the turbine protector/filter (do correct me) using plastic tubes cut to a thin ring, then cut another ring in half to make the guide for the dome (the circular thing at the bottom of the picture). I have also added some putty on the nose and will sand it to shape later tonight. Shown below is the items in progress.


Close-up on the dome.


Shown below are all the parts that is waiting for a coat of primer and paint except the body which needs the interior to be finished and attached before it can be joined together. The Sukhoi's always wants to "enter frame"... :lol:


Close-up on the interior.


Today the burning of the midnight oil will commence.

Gambatte ne. :lol:

Looking good so far :D

Keep it coming.

cheers :)

&*(^)@%&@(*^@$@(! - spell to resurrect old threads... :lol:

Ok guys, this thread was halted when the MGB 07 ended last year and I decided to finish this build soon. I have started building this thing back and tried not to be intimidated with the problems faced by this build. Hope this will make it to the MGB 08.

I have painted the interior of the Mil. Just using artistic license here as I have misplaced the picture of the actual BOMBA Mil-Mi interior. It will not be visible though, so, no worries...




When that is done, I attach the interior to the body after the interior has been painted and clear parts attached.



The body is then assembled and glued. Clear part for the cockpit is also glued in with not much problem except for a minimal gap that has been filled with plastic sheet. Notice the rear rotor has been placed to the left hand side as per the BOMBA's Mil.



Close up of the canopy and the bulge on the nose area.



One minimal problem on the top air intake. A small gap is present and I'll fill it up either using putty or epoxy later.


That's all for now. Hope it will be smooth sailing after this.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Very good progress so far bro....just a small suggestions....


Always masking canopy before glue to the fuselarge....BTW its depend on which masking technique that comfortable wif . You'll have a problem if you choose paste and cut technique....but its not so bad wif cut and paste technique though ;)

Hey, looks like I got companion to finish last years proposed MGB contribution. :lol: :lol:

I think when you got the halves together everything will be smooth sailing.
Looking forward to the striking colors of the BOMBA Mil-Mi. Enjoy building at your own pace, don't rush for the sake of finishing on time or else it will become like another job and not a hobby. Just some small advise. :)

Richard.

Naza: Thanks for the advise. I've actually glue the clear part to the body because I was thinking to use the cut and paste technique. I will only mask the sides of the clear parts and use Maskol for the other parts.

Richard: Yup, I'll try to make-up on what is left out from last years' contribution. Actually, I have taken my own sweet time in completing this, that's why I can't finish it last year... :lol: I'm taking it easy on this build as I want to get this done nicely.

Druid... check out the hornbill..cantik kan

Yup, that's the hornbill logo that I'll be putting on the hello. I'm building the ones with the number M994-02 which has the same logo.

I have sent the picture to a friend for him to design before I make a decal out of it. Hope it came out ok. :D