Airfix Westland/Sud Aerospatiale S.A. 330 Puma HC.1 1/72

[Bigkev]

Whilst in the loft, found my 'Puma' that I started a few years ago. Seeing as I'm on with a Sea King at the moment thought I could follow it on with this.
I have already done some work on the fuselage and the cockpit bulkheads, rotor blades, engines, etc.
A typical 1970's offering, lots of rivets, flash, but a reasonable shape nonetheless.
More to follow in between the sea King build. 

[chriswil42]

You'll do it justice Kevin.

[Jonners]

Excellent! I'm now the proud owner of an Airfix Puma too. My intention is to build it as a South African Air Force machine for which I've purchased an Air Graphics bucket intake filter set.
Jon

[Bigkev]

Well, I've got to try and make a decent job of mine now.
Are the 'Bucket intakes' the same as the dust filters fitted to a HC.2 Puma?
Kevin

[Jonners]

Well, I've got to try and make a decent job of mine now.
Are the 'Bucket intakes' the same as the dust filters fitted to a HC.2 Puma?
Kevin

Similar, but not identical. The RAF filters had a ring intake at the front around a central circular solid 'dish', whereas the front of the SAAF intakes were solid 'bullets'.

[Bigkev]

Thanks Jon,
I'll see if I can locate an accessory set for these, otherwise it will be a HC.1 as kitted.

[Bigkev]

Well I have found an update set for the Puma, which should arrive this week so hopefully I'll be getting on with this one.

[Bigkev]

Well the aircraft Models (Formerly Whirlybirds) update set has arrived and I think will help in this project, especially the intakes.
As I want to pose the side doors open, I thought of creating some sort of replication of the quilted insulation in the rear cabin. To do this I have used some 5 thou plasticard and scored it at 45 degrees to create a sort of cross hatch. This was then glued to the cabin insides. I had already attached the clear windows which have a thick surround, so I roughly cut some holes for each of these. As can be seen the windows joins need some tidying which I will do with Milliput once dry as I can smooth it out with water to blend in.
Some pictures to show what I've done. Thanks for looking.

[zak]

Nice padding/quilting.

[chriswil42]

Nice padding/quilting.

I concur.

[MSea]

Looking good how long before you have as many helos as Chris         

[chriswil42]

Looking good how long before you have as many helos as Chris         

Kevin's got some way to go yet!

[Bigkev]

Hi All,
A little more progress on the Puma. I've now filled around the windows and padding with Milliput which should help disguise the gaps. Also the cockpit has had a little work, the controls have been fitted together with the seat framing. The Pilots seat have a represent of framing to the back for the seat harness attachment a bit later. The instrument panel/mount has had holes drilled in the mount sides and some small scraps of plastic rod to simulate the instrument casings at the back of the panel. Wires will be added to these to final installation. The seat frames, and seats for the cabin are ready to paint. The undercarriage sponsons assembled and filled ready to attach to the fuselage sides. I also added some lead sheet to the cockpit floor undersides to give a bit of 'umpfh' to the fuselage.
I drilled out the two vents at the front of the rotor housing and whilst shaping into rectangular ham fisted me broke both. Both repaired, using superglue on the port side I have used Black CA as it sets slowly for correct alignment, and also you can see it!
Some pictures, thanks for looking.

[chriswil42]

Great detailed work Kevin.

[zak]

Great detailed work Kevin.

I fully agree!!!!
Impressive work.