1/72 Amodel Mil Mi-6

by Borislav Delov

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Here is my Mil Mi-6 from Amodel, the best and only kit around. There are other old kits from East Germany but they do not compare. 

Although this kit is far from perfect the molds correctly captures the form of the real aircraft. The kit has recessed panel lines, some interior detail most of which will not be seen. I built my kit straight from the box with the exception of the antennas – I replaced them with piano wires. The holding rails on the engines are from thin brass rods as the kit parts were too thick. This Mi-6 can be built with the loading ramp open or closed, and if you chose to close the ramp make sure you put weight in the nose or you will have to smuggle lead nuggets through the side windows like me. The instructions do not tell you that it will be a tail sitter if you close the ramp! 

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I also replaced the main and tail rotor axels with brass rods for easy spinning and that also made the rotors detachable for transportation. Overall paint is Dark Ghost Grey FS 36328 and the fuel tanks are Light Grey FS 36495.

First designed in the 1950s, Mil Mi-6 entered mass production in 1960. From 1957 to 1964 the helicopter established 16 world records. The winglets provide 20% of the lift during level flight. The winglets are removable. 

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There are many versions of this helicopter – civilian, armed, firefighter and airborne command post among others. Mi-6 has been exported to many Eastern European and Third World countries but does not fly in Russia because its flying certificate has been canceled. The duties of the heavylift Mi-6 in Russia have been taken over by Mi-26, which is the largest helicopter in the world.

Borislav

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Photos and text © by Borislav Delov