The new Puma from Dragon builds as easy as it looks good. Despite a few question marks, this is sure to be a winner.



Sd.Kfz. 234/2 Puma

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Thanks for this artilcle, Henk!
I've built the 234/4 this summer, and I just had to imagine Dragon would release other vehicles belonging to that series, since there were pieces which were not to be used and were typical for the Puma (a container to be placed on the right side of the hull), as well as other spare pieces (I will use the excellent jerry cans and jack for my Sturer Emil).
Nice build, anyway! Dragon's team have made a good work, as usual, but I think the turret interior might be better... anyway, the gun replica is very good!
Waiting to see it camouflaged!

Unfortunately it has not been released in Germany yet. As soon as I get it and start building it, I'll get back to your offer.

Greetings from Bavaria,

Bavarian

Thanks for the review Henk. Interesting to see that the inclusion of an aluminum barrel is not part of the package, I wonder if this will become more of the "norm" with future kit releases as a middle ground between the Smart Kit design and previous "kitchen sink" new kit releases. I thought it interesting that the coaxial MG barrel isn't slide molded but solid.

Nice review! Does anyone know if the Italeri kit has vinyl tires?


Jeff

No it doesn't

Thanks for the review Henk. I built the Italeri kit last year and really want to try this now.

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

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

Beautiful work Henk! I love the way you have the paint flaking on the exhaust.....brilliant!

Vinnie

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?

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

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?

I do like the rusty mood of the exhaust pipes!

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