Hello, can anyone offer any recommendations on the Puma 234/2 ? 1/35 scale, any manufacturer. Thank you in advance.

Dragon:
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dragon-6256-sdkfz-234-2-puma--108330

Definitely Dragon if you want it to look nice. The Italeri/tamiya one does look like a Puma but shows its age and is lacking in detail (undercariage, interior, closed engine vents)

Compared to Dragon, Italeri's looks like Dragon's poor cousin from the shallow end of the gene pool!

Hello there

As per the others, there's really no contest in terms of detail, Dragon wins by miles.

But... the Italeri model is probably much cheaper and a quick and easy build. It looks like a 234/2, especially if you cover it in foliage.

In both cases you may need to change the tyre pattern depending on time frame you're modelling

Cheers

Sean

Dragon, no contest. Hussar makes 4 different tire patterns of resin wheels for it, excellent quality.

Italeri is way cheaper, but Dragon's kit is miles ahead.
Much better kit.
Go for it.

Dragon, by miles.... So nothing new to add with that!

But I think it may be worth pointing out that, ONCE MODEL SHOWS resume, the Dragon kit will be frequently seen at the vendor's tables. At very modest prices, as it had been before the Virus. And Dragon's 234/2 kit frequently shows up on the Facebook model-swap n sell threads - again at modest prices.

Of Dragon / cyberhobby's 6 234/ kits, the /2 Puma is the simplest build, as you have a pretty clean and simple turret to assemble and zero obligation to put in any of the interior bits (and there is scant info available as to what the /2 interior really looked like). As noted in above posts, there are AM wheel sets - which are applicable to all of D's 234/ versions - so creating the often-observed mixtures of tire tread patterns is certainly available.

But the real modeling fun and value of D's 234/ kits may, IMHO, lie much more in the well-done drive-train stuff, which allows one to both work up "missing wheel" builds (and that seemed to happen...) and build up a turning vehicle. That and the external detail is really quite good and offers many opportunities for tweaking and enhancing the build. And there is a fair amount of AM PE and other stuff for these kits...

Get it, build it, enjoy both the build and your end-product.

Bob

I’ll add that the dragon kit is not a difficult build.
It’s really a great kit.

The Dragon kit is the best hands down, buy it, you will enjoy the build. If you want to go full crazy, then get the Griffon etch set for it. The etch set is fantastic for doing the engine deck louvers and storage lockers. Best regards.....Dale

If you can't manage to find a Dragon, you could consider the Tamiya rebox of the Italeri which includes some PE and some retooled parts.

I built Italeri's /1, /2, and /3. I have Dragon's /4 plus their /3 as I wish to replace the Italeri. I also wish to replace the /1 and /2 with Dragon kits unless something better comes out. The Italeri's look the part (Puma especially since it has no exposed interior) but are definitely more primitive tooling compared to newer kits. The Italeri mold goes back to 1980. There is PE to spruce them up but by the time you go to that trouble and expense you likely could afford the Dragon version and have less work on your hands.