Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma
Heavy Armoured Car

Hasegawa, 1/72

Reviewed by Glenn Porter

Hasegawa's 1/72 scale Sd Kfz 234/2 Puma is available online from Squadron.com

Generally, I don't have a very high opinion of Hasagawa's armour kits although, I must admit, some of their recent offerings aren't too bad. When I saw this kit in my local, I was at two minds whether to buy it or not. Curiosity got the better of me and I shelled out a rather cheap thirteen dollars Australian.

Now, I like pleasant surprises and this kit definitely is one.

It's as if Hasagawa has looked at Roden's Puma and decided to better it. In most instances they have. That is not to say there is anything wrong with Roden's kit, but this one, in my opinion, is superior. Ah, I think I had better qualify that now.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

My main criticism of all the Roden 8 Rads was that they had their hatches closed. Not that they would be hard to open, but Hasegawa has saved you the trouble. Hasegawa has moulded the tyres separate from the rims. When you have eight to paint, this makes it much easier. All the photos I've got of Pumas, [and thats not many], show a box on the left rear guard. I get the impression that some had this and some didn't. Anyway, Hasegawa give you the option. There's also a pack of some kind to go on the rear deck and a figure, that's better than their usual, to go in the turret.

The moulding is up to Hasegawa's usual standard which means clean and crisp and there is plenty of raised and engraved detail. There is also, a small amount of interior detail for the lower hull, but this will not be seen in the Puma and is obviously for other variants to be produced later. However, if you decide not to use the figure, there is some detail for the turret interior which will be visable through the open hatches.

The only parts that I could see that I would criticise, are the four corner clearance rods [called fender poles in the instructions], wich are over scale and would be better replaced with wire. Of lesser importance, and not noticeable if the model is mounted, are the lockers in the guards, which are open from the bottom and need to be boxed in and there are no dampers on the suspension.

Decals have, as usual from Hasegawa, good register and are nicely printed but with very thick carrier film. I would recommend replacing them if you can.

Instructions are easy to follow with eleven clearly numbered diagrams and all parts are numbered and named. The paint/decal diagram, on the other hand, has markings for only one machine unlike the decal sheet which covers three.

In the near future I will be doing a comparison between this and the Roden offering. In the meantime, if you have the opportunity to buy one of these, don't hesitate. You won't regret it.

Highly Recommended

Review and Images Copyright © 2005 by Glen Porter
Page Created 29 April, 2005
Last updated 28 April, 2005

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