Thanks guys.
Dean,it is rather strange that this was neglected as a mainstream kit
MARS, yes I've been doing some research on the big fish that slipped through the fingers of the mainstream manufacturers. The Puma will be designed modular, that should I wish to pursue another derivative, it could easily serve as a base.
Spice, I'll give those a miss, just too big for me
Mistral, crazy indeed. Not sure if I'm a master, but most certainly brave!
Anyway, another update.
Some more cockroaches came out of the woodwork today with this kit. The bottom of the fuselage halves are slightly warped inward. A rough slot was cut on the inside to make a weak spot to bend it out. Luckily it worked first time.
Then the main rotor fairing has a flat surface on top, and the opening for the rotor mast had to be enlarged. Also the side profile of the fairing, which is supposed to be a curve down to the back was wrong. It also had a slight downward angle to the front, which needs to be raised level. Then discovered it's also too long at the back and the overall shape viewed from the top is wrong. This plate on top will be removed completely and replaced with a styrene sheet with the correct shape and size.
Note that this is all still very rough work, to get to a good shaped "shell" of the Puma, and once this has been sorted out, some normal building can start.
The top of the fairing has been removed, and a template has been made for a replacement. Will use a thinner sheet of styrene.
Also the sponsons were started on, and they are from hell! Way to big and wrong shape. Started modifying one in the meantime, and the difference can already be seen. They also seem to be too wide, but I want to get the shape right first.
Cheers, Johm