¹⁄35

Building the Sd.Kfz. 234/2 Puma

the interior

For some inexplicable reason the instructions start with the suspension, interrupt this with the lower hull interior, to go back to the suspension before moving on to the upper hull interior detail. The interior is quite nice, rather well detailed and appointed, but I do wonder why Dragon makes such an effort with an interior of which hardly anything can be seen after the model is finished, but does not include ammunition racks which are clearly visible through the turret hatches. There are a number of position points and key-holes which are not utilized, including where the ammo racks should be, so why no racks?

The interior goes together fine, there are no fit issues, and the instructions are clear. Step 6/7 provides a handy overhead view to aid in the correct orientation of the various gear levers. A nice touch indeed.

The vision blocks are provided in clear plastic and with some care can be made workable. They are however quite fragile and I would suggest gluing them either open or closed. In stark contrast with the hull interior the turret has no detail whatsoever, apart from the nice breech assembly. So unless you plan on adding a crew I would leave the hatches closed.

The interior parts that have been provided are very good. I am particularly impressed with the internal welds, a detail often overlooked in vehicle interiors. If you want to super detail the interior, this is an excellent starting point.

the exterior

The suspension and interior may be as good and detailed as they are, but the most prominent feature of the model is of course the hull and stowage. And the high quality of the kit continues here, with some superb surface texturing, subtle weld detail and decent tool stowage.

The instructions are clear enough again, but get a bit busy in step 19 and 20 so care is needed to assure correct placement of the tools and jerry cans. The instructions indicate that the jack can be constructed with the leg either retracted or extended, but you must retract the leg, as it will foul the aerial mount if extended. The jerry cans are very nice, they have the Photo-etch insert to depict the central seam, very nice handles and caps, but no stamped markings.

The exterior is where the small amount of provided Photo-etch is used. The tie-down loops along the hull can be added either in plastic (B1) or etch, and there are two etched brackets for the mudguard mounted extra ammunition box. The corner indication poles are provided in plastic (TF7 and TF8) and in beautiful brass poles, but if you use the brass poles the instructions forget to show that you have to bend them, a little jig for which is provided on sprue TF, next to the plastic poles.