Puma Squared (2xSdkfz 234/2)

[f matthews]

For some reason, I have found myself building two SdKfz 234/2 "Puma" Armored Cars in tandem.  I just got the RFM version and have had the Dragon kit in the stash for almost 20 years.  Time to build.  The kits are VERY similar in construction breakdown.

Both kits are excellent with the RFM kit being molded a little bit more precisely and finely perhaps.

Edited May 14, 2024 by f matthews

[Retired Bob]

I notice the RFM kit has moveable wheels.  When I was making my Dragon kit I found if the locating pin on the steering ball joint was removed the wheels could then be positioned, it's then up to you if you want to fix them in a particular position with glue and the steering linkages or just leave them moveable.

The alignment pin on the part B4 is removed and the steering hub part D18 is a tight fit, you can then alter the steering geometry.

It will be interesting to watch your build, I'm tempted by the MiniArt ones that are due out soon.  Just wondering about the parts count though. 

[f matthews]

1 hour ago, Retired Bob said:

I notice the RFM kit has moveable wheels.  When I was making my Dragon kit I found if the locating pin on the steering ball joint was removed the wheels could then be positioned, it's then up to you if you want to fix them in a particular position with glue and the steering linkages or just leave them moveable.

The alignment pin on the part B4 is removed and the steering hub part D18 is a tight fit, you can then alter the steering geometry.

It will be interesting to watch your build, I'm tempted by the MiniArt ones that are due out soon.  Just wondering about the parts count though. 

Since I built the RFM suspension first I thought I could clip the pin off (that is an option in the RFM kit if you want the wheels straight) to position the Dragon wheels.  When I opened the Dragon box, I was pleased to find a Cyberhobby upgrade set that provides parts for a workable suspension (as well as fenders with open panniers and preformed metal brake lines, etc). Somehow I forgot that I picked that up along the way. I will probably save those parts for one of the other Dragon 234s that have been getting dusty in the stash and will do this build with fixed wheels.

I may pick up the Miniart non-interior version that they just announced.  It still looks more complex than these two, but knowing Miniart, it will be superb.

Edited May 15, 2024 by f matthews

[Retired Bob]

I bought one each of the Dragon 234 armoured cars when they were first released so I know what you mean about them getting dusty in the stash.  The only Cyberhobby one I managed to get was this strange hybrid of a 234/3 with a 20mm canon in what looks like a home made turret.  A couple of these were found at the end of WW2 and photos appear in some Panzerwrecks books so they were real, not a what if.  I did notice that later kit releases of 234s had some upgrades for moveable steering and open storage panniers, but they were usually double the price of the original kits.

This is the strange one that is still lurking in the stash:

 

[f matthews]

Interior is now base painted with washes and filters applied.

 

[edjbartos]

Thats looking fabulous Frank, very nicely painted. Not done one of these before so will keep a watch out to see how it progresses…

 

Ed

[Bullbasket]

Looks excellent Frank. Good to see your work this early in the build.

 

John.

[Retired Bob]

8 hours ago, f matthews said:

Interior is now base painted with washes and filters applied.

Do RFM give you colour callouts for the interior parts?  Dragon leave you to find out for yourself what colours were used.  From what I could find out, the interior of the open topped 234/3 was painted with the same base colour as the exterior, dark yellow.

 

[f matthews]

No colour callouts given.  I made an educated guess based on the earlier achtrads as well as how they were painting things in 1944.  Not much if anything sadly enough will be visible in the end.

I pulled an old AFV Club 232 [actually a 1. Serie SdKfz 234(Fu)] out of mothballs and started in on that one as well...

 

[robw_uk]

been tempted by the new RFM 234, watching this build for sure

[PeteH1969]

Frank

 

It's nice too see the comparison of the three models thank you for taking the time to post all of the steps you are going through.

 

Pete 

Edited May 18, 2024 by PeteH1969

[f matthews]

Lower Hull interiors are complete on the Dragon and RFM 234s.

 

[robgizlu]

Great progress - Liking the weathering - interesting project

Rob

[PeteH1969]

Which Kit out of the three do you prefer Frank?

 

Pete

[edjbartos]

Smashing work there Frank, I really like what you are doing here...

 

Ed

[f matthews]

The RFM one so far edges the Dragon slightly, but they are close.

[f matthews]

Working up the Tatra on the RFM 234/2:

 

[f matthews]

The final touches have been added to the construction of the suspension.  The RFM kit's is fully workable and articulates nicely.

 

[f matthews]

Engine and compartment are now complete.  Almost ready to seal the hull on this one and the Dragon one.

 

[Keeff]

This is a very informative build!  Fantastic work on build, paint and weathering and a good comparison between them. 

 

Keith 😁 

[robgizlu]

1 hour ago, Keeff said:

This is a very informative build!  Fantastic work on build, paint and weathering and a good comparison between them. 

 

Keith 😁 

Ditto

Rob

[Retired Bob]

Impressive build and painting.    Will that Tatra engine be seen again?

[vytautas]

It is the most advanced German vehicle and the most excellent paint job.

This is a great combination of both components! 👍

 

Vytautas

[Shagohod]

Very nice build and paint job so far. I'm thinking about getting the RFM Puma as well, but my stash is way too big already. 😅

[vytautas]

44 minutes ago, Shagohod said:

but my stash is way too big already. 😅

 

Hmm.. It's a little bit of a strange statement...

I always thought that after purchasing the first five models, there should be an understanding that stash is a value that simply by definition cannot be too big...

 

Vytautas