Metal Origins SdKfz 234/2 Puma

[Ad Lav]

Great build Richard, I'm sorry to hear you've had so many problems.

I won't be buying one, or one of the 222/223. They need to sort out some QC if they are charging what they do.

[silversurfer1947]

Latest update. I took it to yesterday's meet, but discovered on arrival that one of the steering linkages was disconnected which was disappointing. The two parts of the hull were not connected as I was seeking advice as how best to configure things internally. Much discussion took place but nothing definitive resulted.

I thought my Panzer 3 was tight for space, but I now present to you the ultimate of trying to get a quart into a pint pot.

20170814_123219.jpg (48.83 KiB) Viewed 4437 times

A you will see there is not a lot of room. I tried the upper hull for size as it sat quite neatly about 20 mm above the bottom hull, kept aloft by the array of wiring. My initial reaction was that there is no way that will ever fit together. After withdrawing for a heavy caffeine injection, I took another look and thought "What the hell" and just pressed the upper hull down hard and lo and behold, it pushed into place!

To celebrate I took it outside for a photoshoot.

20170814_142829.jpg (74.57 KiB) Viewed 4437 times

Please excuse the absence of mudguards. The top is merely pushed in place. The mudguards would fix it securely and I am anticipating the top coming off for more adjustments. Having got this far, is could not resist getting the TX out and giving it a run. Somewhat problematical at first a the steering was reversed and it is very difficult trying to think the other way round. As an unintended consequence I discovered that the Puma will climb up the 100 mm log border to my path!

I am quietly chuffed. The main thing I have to try now is to drive it in a straight line. I think the wheels may not be properly aligned - not an easy task when there are eight of them. I tried the trim on the Tx but that did not seem to make a lot of difference.

All the trials, tribulations swear words etc now seem worthwhile. When I have made a few tweak, I will fit the mudguards and try to get some video.

I still have to sort out the loss of flash and the non-working lights. I would hasten to point out that thee are not faults with the kit. They are 3rd party purchases.

[c.rainford73]

Great news and it actually looks excellent without the mud guards very nice work

[AlwynTurner]

That looks brilliant Richard, I hope that the remainig issues are quickly resolved and you can breath a deep sigh of relief and celebrate with your favourite tipple.

Alwyn

[silversurfer1947]

Hopefully, I am not tempting fate. I am thinking this project is drawing to a close. All the major problems seem to have been overcome - just a few niggles to sort out. I hold this forum responsible in so many ways. Had I never joined the forum, the Puma would never have come to my attention. Reading the various threads of magnificent tank builds inspired me to push myself and have a go at something way beyond my comfort zone. Along the way, the support and encouragement of fellow members has kept me going when the going has got tough. I have to single out Alwyn and Rob for their help with the turret, and Jussek and captain hilts for the sounds. Also a huge thank you to everyone else for their support and just for reading the ramblings of a relatively new boy.

I have a long life battery on order, but in the meantime, I shall fit the mudguards and take it for a run, and, with a bit of luck, some video. I hope you will think I have finally done the model some justice.

I'm sorry if this has become a bit of an Oscars' acceptance speech but I just wanted to indicate how important this forum and its members are to me. Thanks for reading.

[c.rainford73]

Well said I too credit his forum for my Panzer 38-t madness. So many good helpful people

All the best can't wait to see the finished product with video

[wibblywobbly]

Any chance you could dismantle it again so that I can take measurements and print one, should only take you about 3 months, and two bottles of tranquilisers...

It looks stunning, the pics don't reveal the weight of it, or the complexity of the build, you have done a fine job on this, and I would dearly love to own something similar.

[silversurfer1947]

The new battery arrived yesterday (excellent service from Howes' Models - only ordered on Tuesday) and was fully charged. This morning was spent assembling everything for the first time. It really is a tight fit in every direction. There are two brackets which I have had to omit as they actually connect the mudguards to the front bumper and are supposed to be glued in place. This would mean breaking the bond each time you need to dismantle it to charge the battery. I think I need to fit a remote charging socket. It is not a 5 minute job putting it together.

It is 99% finished but as the sun was shining, I decided to take it outside for a photo.

20170817_130227.jpg (73.63 KiB) Viewed 4377 times

My main concern when I started was whether I had the ability to do the kit justice. All in all, despite all the problem, I don't think it's gone too badly. When I have more time, I will take it out and find somewhere where I can put it through its paces and check that everything still works despite the squash.

As no doubt you will notice, I have not gone for any heavy weathering. I have just tried to achieve a grubby, used look.

[wibblywobbly]

Pardon my French, but it looks bl**dy amazing!!

[c.rainford73]

Richard absolutely fantastic job