Hi Folks,
i picked up this old kit and it’s almost as old as i am!
this airfix 1/72 RAF Puma and i was wondering if anyone knows what i would need to upgrade it to a Gulf War 1 version as seen below.
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SA 330E is the Aérospatiale version UK used, HC is the Westland version. Like the Seaking probably a few small differences. Engine upgrades with filter are easily seen. The sponson size can be enlarged but harder to determine (at least to me).
Whirlybits has a number of sets, since the company is closed, might be hard to find but maybe easier in your area than mine.
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Does this boxing have the sand filters? I’ve got one from the early 2000’s that has. Airfix have announced a reissue at some point this year, so if you not you might be able to get some spares.
Off the top of my head, it also needs countermeasures gear. ECM antenna and flares. I think the rear clear bubble was removed and covered over with a new panel. This is probably where the rear mounted flares were fitted. This seemed to remain a standard fit after. Would probably need a door mounted gpmg.
I’ll be interested to see what we can gather as I’d like to have a crack at this myself.
I have got a gut feeling that Airfix might surprise us with a new 1/72 Puma in the near future. They’ve done Seakings and a Wessex is due, so a Puma is logical.
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Air Graphic do a set designed for the SAAF Puma, not sure if this is the same as the RAF version or not, I’m no Puma expert.
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Wow, blast from the past. I remember making that kit in my youth! I thought it was ‘cool’ that the side doors slid back and forth…
Airfix released the kit changing the designation to HC 1, but I think it is just the same kit:
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Was just looking at these myself. I think they might be different. Doesn’t seem to have the intake ring around the front.
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i can’t see any sand filters in the kit so I’m assuming that this is a pre-gulf war issue.
since you have mentioned that airfix doing a re-pop i might just build this one OOB and see where the fit issues are. my guess is the new version will be a re-pop with some added stuff to make it look more modern.
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Yeah, a trial run. I suspect it will need some whittling to get it to fit.
I can’t remember exactly where my boxing is, but thinking about it, the filters did look like later additions to the sprue. It lacked all the other bits needed to bring it up to date though. They should still be in the reissue this year. The decals were still the same old scheme from the original boxing.
Another thing to watch out for is the windscreen. Airfix moulded the 2 part windscreen rather than a single large panel. A lot of work to cut off and polish unless you can find a vac replacement. I decided to just live with it!
I suspect that like the original Lynx, it’s based on the prototype or a very early production aircraft.
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@phantom_phanatic what polishing compound do you use? do you dip tge clear parts in Johnson’s clear floor polish?
To be honest, I’ve had so little success with polishing canopies I’m the last person to ask!
To cut off, sand and polish back that frame would be a lot of work. I’m not even sure it could be done without leaving a permanent mark. I decided to just live with it.
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@phantom_phanatic i don’t know much about polishing canopies either and you sounded like an expert so i thought I’d ask 
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I know the theory, it’s the execution!
Just thought it was another little quirk of this kit. I think it’s accurate for a French Puma though?
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