Begemot 1/48 Kamov Ka-27PL\Ka-28 Helix Family Decals
By Scott Hackney
The Ka-27 Helix Is the current Russian Naval helicopter notable for its contra-rotating co-axial rotol configuration. The Helix entered service in 1982 and continues to operate with the Russians and eight other country's military. The Helix family includes the Ka-28 as a downgraded export version, the Ka-29 an assault transport, and the Ka-32 for civilian use.
The Helix has been available for a few years in 1/72nd scale but the newly released 1/48th Hobbyboss Ka-27 have spurred Begemot decals to action.
Begemot is a Russian decal company known for two things. They do decals of mostly Russian subjects and when they take on a subject they cover the subject extensively. Their newly released Ka-27/28 sheet is exactly that - extensive coverage of an overlooked subject. The sheet is available in two scales 1/72nd and 1/48th. I have 48-038, the 1/48th sheet, but the majority of my comments should apply to both sheets.
The sheet contains 20 schemes from six countries - both the Ka-27 and Ka-28. Begemot always does a nice job of providing a good write up for each scheme. I really like that each marking option has the date and history of that subject. That’s the good news. On the lack of variety side, 19 of 20 schemes are Russian Navy Gray. There are some interesting flags and marking and even one Ka-27 with a sharkmouth. Just eye balling the 1/48th sheet I’m thinking there is only one set of stencils.
The decals are very well printed – very sharp with small clear margins. The markings themselves are flat and appear very thin. The colors look correct to my eye. The Russian markings are the correct red and come with a blue overlay for the one recent scheme. The Indian and Ukraine markings also appear correct.
Overall, another impressive decal sheet from Begemot. My Hobbyboss kit is ready kit is ready to go and now I have to pick which of the twenty schemes to use - 6, no 8, maybe 19?
Our thanks to Begemot for the review sheet.