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Building the Sd.Kfz. 234/2 Puma

a build story by Henk Meerdink
13
Comments

the turret
The turret is a simple affair, and apart from one mistake in the instructions goes together in no time. The instructions have the left and right smoke launcher mounting arms mixed up, C20 is in fact for the left side, and C23 for the right side. The separate smoke cans are another nice touch. The barrel is in one piece, with a separate muzzle brake. A potential problem area, Dragon have got it right, the multi part muzzle brake fits perfectly and no filler or clean up are needed.

the wheels
The build finishes with the wheels. The wheels and tyres are well detailed, but need some effort to be constructed correctly. The original tyres have a grove running along the circumference, in the middle of the tyre. The kit tyres replicate this by not quite meeting in the middle, when mounted on the wheel rim. The problem is that this leaves a gap, rather than a groove, which is wrong. The way to correct this is to push the two tyre halves together, apply a generous amount of liquid cement and when the plastic has sufficiently softened, release the pressure. The halves will separate slightly, with the softened plastic filling the gap, leaving a perfect groove.

Conclusion
This is a really nice kit, just as it should be. Complicated and detailed enough to make it stand out, whilst at the same time simple enough to build in a few evenings. I really enjoyed building this Dragon kit, and look forward to get it in the paint shop. But that, as they say, is another story.

I have finished the Puma, and added it to the gallery. Sd.Kfz. 234/2 Puma.
  • DSCF3079-01
  • DSCF3077-01
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About the Author

About Henk Meerdink (Henk)
FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM


Comments

PantherF
Nice review! Does anyone know if the Italeri kit has vinyl tires? Jeff
OCT 13, 2006 - 02:20 AM
exer
No it doesn't Thanks for the review Henk. I built the Italeri kit last year and really want to try this now.
OCT 13, 2006 - 02:25 AM
Henk
Thanks guys, I'm glad you like it. Mind you, the pleasure was all mine.. It's a great kit, sure it has some issues, but then most kits have. Yep, the co-ax is one of them. But it does have some very nice surface textures. The main thing is that it looks good, and builds well. It scores on both counts. Cheer
OCT 13, 2006 - 08:46 AM
Henk
The spray booth (office) has been running overtime, i have not slept, the paperwork is behind, I have lost all concept of days and weeks (been working nightshifts 7 nights a week... ), but progress is been made. Camo is done, coat of klear, decals are on (absolutely wonderfull, not a drop of setting solution needed ) now let the weatheringbegin. And that's where my dilema starts.. how much? I don't want to over weather it, as it is a good looking machine as is. But than again, you just know how good it looks with a winter camo.... Cheers Henk
OCT 27, 2006 - 08:48 PM
Teacher
Beautiful work Henk! I love the way you have the paint flaking on the exhaust.....brilliant! Vinnie
OCT 27, 2006 - 09:18 PM
wbill76
Sharp work with the camo Henk! In terms of weathering, I'd recommend you run with whatever setting/environment you think it would belong in (in terms of a base since you've already got the figure!) and apply accordingly. :-) How's that for a non-answer?
OCT 27, 2006 - 09:39 PM
Henk
Cheers Vinnie, a compliment from the master is a compliment indeed . I'm not yet finished with the exhausts, but the 'flaking paint effect is working well. I'm going for a 'fairly new vehicle' look, so the exhaust would not have completely deteriorated (or replaced) yet. Thanks Bill, I've not yet decided on a base, or setting, other than that it will have to go on a base. The vehicle on it's own just doesn't do itself justice, if you know what I mean. The figure is just for try-out, the loaders hatch is also still loose, as I may go for two figures. One with binoculairs scanning the distance, and one checking the map. I somehow feel a very cold and miserable Autumn morning, with loads of dead leaves and a rutted track with muddy puddels would really show this vehicle at it's best... Cheers Henk
OCT 27, 2006 - 09:59 PM
pzcreations
Nice build Henk, I like the way the paints coming along too. sad to hear about the ammo racks though. anyone have a photo of them for scratch building purposes?
OCT 28, 2006 - 01:36 AM
james84
I do like the rusty mood of the exhaust pipes!
OCT 31, 2006 - 03:12 PM
nolifoto
Dear Sergeant Major sir! I am in process of finishing my Puma and I am about to close the top and the bottom hull then it occurred to me that there is no radio in the instruction but there are two antennas to fit to it. A radio set is in the sprue but the parts plan says it is not for use. Why the antennas and no radio set in the interior? Thanks, Noli
FEB 23, 2007 - 05:43 AM
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Copyright ©2021 by Henk Meerdink. Images and/or videos also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. The views and opinions expressed herein are solely the views and opinions of the authors and/or contributors to this Web site and do not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of Armorama, KitMaker Network, or Silver Star Enterrpises. All rights reserved. Originally published on: 2006-10-11 00:00:00. Unique Reads: 47869