Helwan HA-300

 

 

The instrument panel can be optionally constructed in plastic or photoetch with a decal.
Fit is really tight for this part. I had to shave it a bit on its sides.
The coaming, not seen on this picture, seems dubious to me. On the preserved aircraft there is no visible coaming. I left it as it was, I didn't want to make this complicated. 

The nose wheel well is very throughly detailed from the box. Its assembly is rather complicated as it involves two PE ribs that have some control pushrods going through them (in green). These ribs must fit into some notches in the lower fuselage and you somehow manage to fit them there while you push in the nosewheel well... 

The dreaded PE ribs.
Kit is wonderful though and fits perfectly with some care. I particularly like the sprue attachments as these enter from the back of the parts where they can be easily cleaned up. 

Side consoles are done up with some decals provided. Decals are marginally too wide for the consoles.
The notches for the nose gear well PE ribs can be seen to the right, on the frame of the well. 

And it's done!
Painted with Vallejo acrylics and a hairy stick. I did not have the airbrush available.
I used Model Air aluminium and some dry brushed chrome on top of it, and on certain panels. It's REALLY hot where I am right now and this made it hard to paint, as the solvent evaporated almost instantaneously...