Metal Origins SdKfz 234/2 Puma

[c.rainford73]

I like the way it looks painted and the tires look much better with the wash applied to them

[silversurfer1947]

This is what it looks like now. It still needs a lot more work, to tidy up my beginner's work with an airbrush.

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[Soeren]

Well, that is looking good already. As soon as you start getting it grimy it is perfect

[c.rainford73]

Yes I like it. Very different design of the tri color camo scheme. Just a bit of weathering and you should be in great shape. Very nice work

[silversurfer1947]

The turret rotation is a total do it yourself assembly. I should have taken photos but I forgot! The gearbox comes as all parts - you even have to older the wires to the motor. It is straightforward, but fiddly, if that makes sense. The two transfer gears are exceedingly tight fits on their shafts and have to be positioned precisely one at 6mm from the end, the other at 7.8mm. Getting these accurate was a pain. The final drive which comprises the clutch a drive gear is a nuisance, in that the shaft is a loose fit and the hole extends through the housing. I kept forgetting and each time I turned the housing over, it fell out till I stuck some tape over the end. When mounted on the upper hull, this will not be a problem.

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I've also assembled the fuel cans (6 needed, 8 supplied). These are awaiting chipping treatment.

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The final update is the jack. I bought a metal one but it was a different pattern so I made up the kit version to see how it looked before making a final decision. It looks acceptable, so I shall go with that.

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[PainlessWolf]

Good morning,
Things are really coming together. Congrats in sussing out the gearbox for the turret. It looks simple from above then you see the side on view. 'Jerry' cans look great already.
regards,
Painless

[silversurfer1947]

Jerrycans now painted and slightly worn. Open to opinions on whether it's too much or not enough.

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[silversurfer1947]

This is the part I have been putting off as I am really not looking forward to it. Making up the retaining brackets for the jerrycans, 6 in total.

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The individual parts for one bracket - there should be two each of the strap looking pieces.

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As per most PE there are grooves indicating the bending points, and the instructions give profiles showing the degree of bend required. It is a little confusing as for some points there are 2 or 3 lines. For this one I guessed - for the rest I shall bend them round one of the jerry cans. The trickiest part was to roll then end of the cross brackets where the straps connect, which I did round a 0.4mm piece of rod. I am still not clear precisely how the straps will hold together, but time will tell.

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Last thing was to solder it all together, done using solder paste and a very gentle flame. There are recesses in all the parts to ensure correct location, effectively producing a lap joint.

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[PainlessWolf]

Good morning,
Very well done! You have the correct tool set to turn PE building from a boogeyman into the fun it is intended to be!
regards,
Painless

[silversurfer1947]

This is turret with the elevation arm and replacement barrel fitted. I shall have to turn the on/off switch round to move the wires and I think I may have to sleeve the barrel. It was very tight, so I eased the plastic just a tiny little bit and now it is too loose . I shall be arranging a consultation with an expert who has said he can design and print a recoil unit. There does seem to be quite a lot of room for a small turret, with the elevation servo being mounted below the turret ring.

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I have a machine gun to go in the turret, but I shall be doing some careful checking before I start cutting holes. I have also decided to get everything up and running properly before attempting to fit a battle system.