Italeri 1/72nd SdKfz 234/2 "Puma" By Matt Bittner

The Kit

The Italeri Puma consists of a total of 61 parts on the sprue. This doesn't mean, though, that all 61 parts are used. Italeri's latest kits can be built either "regular" or "simplified". What this means is that you can build the kit as if you were a "modeler" or a "wargamer". The "simplified" build uses 34 less parts meaning there are only 27 parts used in total. When building the kit "regular" only 4 parts aren't used giving a total of 57 parts. It really depends on what level of detail you want to go to as to which version you build. Most modelers that I know of do not wargame, so would build this "regular". When you build the simplified version you leave off the highly detailed suspension, instead opting for the four, single piece axles. In addition, the instructions have you leave off all pioneer tools and extra "baggage" added to the fenders.

As I'm assuming most of the modelers that read this site don't wargame, I'm going to step through the instructions for the "regular" build. (I had hoped to have this built for the June issue, but "life issues" got in the way (as they always do) resulting in the model almost finished. If only I had a few more days...

In any event, construction starts with adding the suspension to the lower hull. Overall Italeri's molding is very nice with the detail coming out extremely "crisp". This is definitely evident in all the pieces for the suspension. Unlike the Roden kit, you don't build each piece of suspension for each wheel with multiple pieces of plastic. Instead, there is one piece per axle, along with four separate leaf springs. After all suspension pieces are added then the hull pieces are assembled.

Now you add the fenders to the hull, followed by all the pieces that go onto the fenders. Again, Italeri's molding is top notch and the detail on all pieces is fantastic. In fact, all items, be they pioneer tools or "jerry cans" are separate pieces so the detail really stands out.

Following the fenders and such the turret is assembled. Unfortunately nothing on this kit is drilled out, so not only will you have to drill out the barrel for the main gun and the machine gun, you'll also have to drill out the grenade launchers as well. This is one area where Roden really shines, as their grenade launchers are all molded hollow.

Once the turret is finished then you finish up with the last of the pieces. Earlier in the instructions Italeri has you glue the wheels to the hull, but I would personally wait until everything is painted and most weathering already accomplished.

Conclusion

Unfortunately there are a couple of areas that Italeri could improve upon. First, most parts had a mold-line running around the entire part needing careful cleaning to remove. The second area that needs definitely improving upon are the wheels. They are hollow on the back side, and unlike at least their DUKW release, don't come with other wheels to cobble together, nor does it appear there are aftermarket items yet released to replace them. I feel it's a shame Italeri didn't mold these wheels complete. (Unfortunately the Roden wheels will not work with the Italeri kit, at least not without some major surgery.)

On the up side, the Italeri Puma is definitely the easiest of the four releases to assemble. The first released was the MaRS resin kit, and while the detail on it is phenominal, I understand it's a difficult build. The second to be released was the Roden injected plastic kit and two areas needing care in building are the wheels (four pieces for each wheel) and the suspension (four parts for each two axles). The third to be released was the Hasegawa kit, and while it appears "crisper" than the Roden kit, also has a few parts. Finally the Italeri kit. With only one piece wheels and one suspension piece per axle it is definitely the easiest to build of the four.

However, the Italeri kit - unlike the Roden kit - does not come with any interior, nor are any of the hatches separate. So, depending on what you want to accomplish with your Puma - a quick build just to have one, or a show-stopping contest-winning model - there are plenty of Puma kits to choose from. For those wanting a Puma quick then the Italeri kit is the best option. For a better comparison of the available Puma kits, be sure to check out Doug Chaltry's article at the On The Way! site.

My thanks to Testors for the review kit.