Fuselage Conversion机体改造
First, the fuselage had to be lengthened for the Cougar conversion. Measuring the overall fuselage is quite complex. The main dimension to keep in mind is the overall length from nose to tail tip. (see also the drawing on page [1] ). See also page [3] as the tailfin chord is also a bit larger.

Besides the lengthening, the Dutch Cougar has different windows. Cutting out the various windows and giving them the correct size should now be done and is obviously important. The dimensions of the various windows were determined from the drawing and checking also with the 1/72 Italeri kit. Filing, sanding and cutting was now done at the various fuselage parts. The various windows have raised edges. These were made with metal wire. 

(The windows were not fitted at this stage; the windows are made from transparant acetate sheet, the various windows cut to size. This is quite a tedious job. They also got a coat of Johnson Future to give some more glass effect on the windows ). 

The original Puma fuselage part is seen in green (upper), at the lower in white with 2 extra openings made for additional windows, with stretch sections for the Cougar in black. 

"Left overs" after cutting... 

Also, the floor seen right is the extended floor using two floors from 2 kits. 
The extened fuselage was now first constructed. As there are two large side doors, adding all the internal details within the cabin is not required at this stage. 
The extended floor was added, and also a roof added in the upper cabin from card. Also some details at the fuselage cabin sides were added made from plastic strip. 

The Cougar has a different and longer rear cone at the rear fuselage as compared to the (Super) Puma. It is the fairing towards the tailrotor boom that needs another extension to make the composite fairing typical for the later Cougar AS 532 variants. Some Puma parts were used with white plasticcard and sprue for strength (see page 1 for dimensions). 

Milliput was required to get a smooth straight cone shape. A lot of work was needed here. The cone shape is rather straight tapered. 

The larger window situated in the cone made things difficult and required some extra plastic strips glued on and sanded in shape. 

Most of the AS 532 Cougars also have an added fairing with a hatch at the lower side of the cone. So does the Dutch Cougar. This was made from straight card.

Here, the glued on tailboom can be seen. Internally plastic strip and rod were used to get the necessary strength. Also, an additional small box can be seen added to the side. 

Nose cone

The longer radar nose was moulded from Milliput. The clear cockpit windows were cut off and are to be added later on after the basic model has been correctly shaped. 
The lower cockpit section can be seen here (after main fuselage assembly) with added fairings and various stubs. Quite some work is needed here to get a smooth result.