Pavla 1/72 Mi-8/Mi-17 Resin
By Matt Bittner
Next up is a cabin/cockpit set for the Mi-17. It's very nicely molded and after removing the cockpit floor the parts should just slide in. One thing to keep in mind. Since the Mi-8 and Mi-17 are basically one and the same, the Mi-17 cockpit as listed by Pavla can be used in an Mi-8 kit.
While none of these sets are "required" for the HB Mi-8/Mi-17 (unless you want to build an accurate, early Mi-8T, then you'll definitely need the first set) they provide a greater level of detail not found in the basic kit. Sure, the kit itself is awesome (be sure to check out my First Look of it) but the Pavla sets take it to a better level. (Don't forget about the Eduard masks released for it a few months back). You might also want to check out Ken Duffy's build - and correction - of the HB Mi-8T and Mi-8MT kits on the ARC Forums.
My thanks to Pavla for the review samples. 
Pavla has not been slouching when it comes to creating update sets for the latest - and sometimes older - kits. In this installment, I look at the recent sets released for the Hobby Boss Mi-8/Mi-17 kits.
First up is the Mi-8T correction set, consisting of the entire top of the engine housing, including exhausts. This is to correct the Hobby Boss (HB) Mi-8T/Mi-17 first kit released. Out of the box HB actually builds into the Mi-8MT version, and not the earlier Mi-8T. You'll need this correction set to backdate the HB kit. In addition, you'll also need to move the rear prop to the starboard side.
The second set is to add interior seats to the cargo area. Nothing else needed with this set.
Finally is an exterior set. Some of the earlier Mi-8s had the space between their landing gear legs "filled", and you'll find these new legs in this set. In addition are new horizontal tail pieces for the rear boom as well as new wheels/tires.