PZL W-3A Sokół 1:72 Czech Army

This is my first model kit from Answer, a well-known Polish producer of paper models. As far as I understand, their plastic kits, and 1:72 W-3A helicopter, is an outsourced product made by one of Ukrainian producers (probably Modelsvit or ClearProp). It is a short-run model made from over 200 parts, with a very complex assembly process and many PE parts.

The most challenging is to precisely sand and fit all the parts without slightest gaps, because the kit is not forgiving - you will not be able to fix outer parts in inner parts are not 100% aligned. It took me more than 5 days to just assemble the fuselage and glazing.

Also, you need to fill all gaps in the nose with lead to make it stand on its landing gear - it's tail easily overweighs. I'd recommend putting it under the cabin floor as well.

For painting, I've chosen the Vallejo L. Ghost grey primer (saved me one painting session). After masking the bottom, I've put a mix of Vallejo Rus. AF Grey N3 and Vallejo Aggressor Gray in 4:1 ratio to achieve the desired color - slightly darker than L. Ghost grey and visually warmer (there should be no bluish tint).

Four days of fixing PE parts, and the model is complete. I've got a bit tired of it already. Cutting, bending, fixing PE is somewhat challenging and exciting but up to a certain limit.

Of course, there are a lot of small defects here and there. And the underside of the model didn't get enough attention (the manufacturer forgot about the decals for it). But in general, I like how it looks near other helicopters of its class. It is bigger and heavier than other 10-seat helicopters and reminds first versions of Puma - I'm still waiting for someone to release a fresh 1:72 model of it.