It is
noted first that a description to all the bits and pieces regarding
the conversion is nearly impossible. Many many parts were made based
on pictures, drawings, estimates and a lot of scratch
building.
About 50% of the
parts could be used in some way of the Puma kits, the rest was
scratch. This building report can only show some items. But
enjoy! |
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.
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