Brengun is an aftermarket company that supplies parts and accessories for a vast variety of models, as well as their own model kits.

This photo etch set included just about everything needed to enhance and upgrade the old “classic” Airfix/Heller 1/72 Gazelle helicopter.

Much of the set accommodates various antennae’s, windscreen wipers, Rotor head cyclic and collective push rods and swash plate, cyclic’s for each pilot, rubber pedals and instrument panel and center console. The only thing I would have liked were a set of seat belts. However, in this scale, making belts from tape would be quite acceptable, or sourcing photo etch belts elsewhere should be fairly easy.

A small but easily readable instruction sheet was included and showed a few parts that were options.

I painted the back of the acetate instruments white, and when dry cut it from the sheet. This was sandwiched between the blank kit panel and the photo etch instrument panel. It fit very nicely. Small holes were drilled in the cockpit floor to accept the tiny Cyclic controls. The rudder pedals were mounted in their position, however the inside pedal interfered with the instrument pedestal, so I shorted them to fit. I used blue 3M tape to replicate the seat belts with black marker used for the buckles.

I have yet to add the “outside” parts like the antenna’s and wiper blades. I will leave the attachment stubs on the photo etch parts and drill tiny holes where the parts will attach to the airframe.

All in all, this was a fine addition to improve an antient, but still worthy helicopter model. I would recommend it to those modelers who have experience with photo etch, as well as those willing to tackle these “mouldy, oldy” models, warts and all!!

My thanks to Brengun for continuing to offer this set, and the good folks at IPMS USA.