1:72 Sd. Kfz 234/2

Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma 1:72 (Roden)

An injection-molded plastic model of the German Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma heavy eight-wheeled car in 1:72 scale from the Roden brand. Unlike the 234/1 reconnaissance version with its open turret, the Puma carries a fully enclosed rotating turret with a 5 cm gun, which made it the most heavily armed car of the whole eight-wheeled series. The package holds injection-molded plastic parts and a sheet of decals.

The real subject

The Puma was the high point of the schwerer Panzerspähwagen series of heavy eight-wheeled cars. The enclosed armored turret with its 5 cm gun made it a full combat reconnaissance car able to take on lighter armored vehicles. The design shared with the whole series a monocoque hull, an air-cooled Tatra diesel engine, drive and steering on all wheels and a second driver's station at the rear. Relatively few cars of this version were built, which makes them all the more sought after among modelers.

Building and painting tips

With armored vehicles it pays to assemble and paint the running gear and the turret mounting first, and only then close the hull. Glue the plastic parts with liquid modeling cement for plastic, then fill and sand the seams. Apply a primer before painting and lay the paint on with an airbrush in thin coats. A dark wash into the recesses and the engraved lines and pigments for mud and dust effects on the wheels and the fenders will give a faithful look.

Who the model is for

• Modelers interested in German armored vehicles of the Second World War
• Collectors of wheeled fighting vehicles in 1:72 scale
• Builders who will appreciate the most heavily armed version of the eight-wheeled series
• Makers of dioramas from the late phase of the war

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.