Dragon's beobachtung panther kit shows there are 3 round circular coverings on the turret roof. I assume these are for various periscopes or other observation scopes. Does anyone know where there is any references on what these covers are for and what the observation look like when extended?

Hey Chuck ,

I asked Santa to bring me Jentz' Panther book

Not what you need exactly ,
but here's all there is from Spielberger about the observation Panther , a little bit of insight , no pix or drawings :

Thanks, Keith

I could not find any references on the TBF2 ball mounted turret observation scope. Does anyone know if it is the same periscopes device as on the roof of Sdkfz 234/2 puma?

Just found a picture of TBF2 mounted in a beobachtungpanzer iii. It appears to be a simple periscope with a monocular eye piece, different from what dragon depicts in the turret of sdkfz 234/2.

Also, the TBF 2 appears to be quite long, perhaps 2 meters. The tube looks like it Could extend above the roof of the vehicle by much more than a mere 45 cms

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47210/thread/1341150503/WEEKLY+UPDATE++1.7.2012....

Paper Panzer Productions do a cast beo turret. It is fictitious but I assume will have similarities.....

http://www.paperpanzer.com/paper-panzer-productions-2/ppp35029-beobachtungspanzer-panther-f-cast-turret/

It appears that you could easily swap out that extension tube for any length ?
If you removed that long center section ,
The end units would be closer to what Spielberger describes . ?

Maybe

... does it have a heater ?

It should have, to drive out condensation .....

which way does the fan spin ?