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Pavla 1/72 Westland Lynx Detail Sets

By Chris Banyai-Riepl

The recent release by Hobby Boss of a series of 1/72 Lynx kits has many helo modelers happy. On quick examination, these look to be pretty accurate overall, so many will be turning to these kits over the older Airfix and Fujimi options. To help out those wanting to superdetail their Lynx, Pavla has come out with several detail sets for these new Hobby Boss kits.

U72-107 Lynx HAS.2
U72-108 Lynx HAS.2 (FN)
U72-109 Lynx late version

First up are the undercarriage sets. Pavla has three of these available, denoting the different sponsons found on the various Lynx marks. In all three of these sets the wheels are identical. The sponson differences are subtle but obvious upon close inspection. All of them have the canvas section represented much more realistically than the Hobby Boss kits, and each has the proper additions for their respective types. These are a simple direct part replacement and would be an easy fix for any modeler.

S72-052 Westland Lynx
S72-053 Westland Lynx Export version

Next up are the seat sets. These are not technically for the Hobby Boss kit, as they could be used on any Lynx kit. These are a big improvement over any Lynx kit seat that I have seen, with detailed seat belts, cushions, and framing. The differences between the two sets are minor, but they are different, so check your references to make sure you have the right set for the Lynx you want to build. Each set comes with three seats.

C72-084 Westland Lynx HAS.2

For those who want more than just a set of new seats in their Lynx, this set provides a complete cockpit replacement. This is definitely a huge step above the kit cockpit, and some careful painting and drybrushing will make this set really pop. There is a new cockpit floor that incorporates the rear bulkhead and center console. The latter has the instrument cluster nicely done. Speaking of instruments, the instrument panel is also very nice, although the opposite side is a bit rough and will need some sanding to smooth out (I don't know if this would actually be visible in the finished model or not, but keep that in mind). Three seats, flight controls, a padded overhead section, rear sidewalls, and a nicely detailed winch round out this set. For anyone wanting to open up a door in their Lynx, this is a must-have set.

U72-110 Lynx BERP rotor blades

The final Lynx set covers the rotor blades. Some of the Hobby Boss kits come with the early square-tipped blades, while at least one comes with the BERP (British Experimental Rotor Program) rotors. The kit BERP rotors don't look quite right in the photos I have seen, so these are a nice replacement. They should be a straight kit replacement.

With the Hobby Boss Lynx kits and these upgrade sets, anyone wanting to build a Navy Lynx will be quite happy. My thanks to Pavla for the review samples.