Metal Origins SdKfz 234/2 Puma

[silversurfer1947]

For some time I have had this box sitting unopened whilst I tried to finish what I had already started. Major projects now mainly complete, one lesser project is proving very frustrating so I have walked away for the time being.

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I think this is going to test me to the limits. I will find out whether I CAN actually build complicated models or if I should stick to the basics. The whole package with all the trimming came courtesy of Dominique at rctank.de, who gave me what I thought was a good deal on the whole package, including an Elmod board.

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My Panther took me some 12 months from start to finish. Although I shall be progressing very carefully, I hope to get this one finished a little quicker, but I shan't hold my breath. This is a real trip into the unknown. The nearest I have got was years ago when I built a #Tamiya 4 wheel drive RC Toyota Celica. 8 wheel drive with 8 wheel steering is another ball game entirely. Wish me luck - I think i'm going to need it.

[silversurfer1947]

Some 2,500 years ago, the Chinese philosopher Laozi (not Confucius) stated "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". Even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point. I have now completed step 1 in the instructions. Looking at them, I think it is a matter of breaking you in gently as this is far and away the easiest part.

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On first assembly straight out of the box, it was obvious that the cross member was not sitting correctly. Dissembled it was clear that moulding lines were standing proud. Some attention with a file to the base and a little more to the nut slots and it all went together perfectly.

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At the moment I feel a little like the man who jumped off the top of the Empire State Building. As he passed each floor, he was heard to say "So far, so good"

[Soeren]

That is a very very interesting model. I was already looking at all those 1/35 kits available for this car. I thought that frame of the 1/16 wad engineered to work out of the box. But seems not? Will follow along.

[PainlessWolf]

S.S.1947,
A great model with everything mechanically required already provided by Dominique. You're in an enviable situation and you should enjoy each and every step along the way. ;o) Following along since I want to build a multi axle armored car one of these fine old years myself.
regards,
Painless

[silversurfer1947]

First of all, if I'm going into too much detail or posting too many photos, please tell me. It's just that I don't think one of these has been posted before and I thought it might be useful for anyone thinking about dipping their toes into some different water.

Steps 2 & 3 complete. The next step is the assembly of 4 axles and basic gears. These parts all fitted perfectly, though there was a bit of a knack in getting what I will call the swinging arms into place. Interestingly, the brackets which fit on top are retained with differing numbers of bolts. Those on the left side and the 2 on the front right only have one bolt apiece, whereas the 2 at right rear have 2 fitted. No doubt all will become clear in due course.

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[Ad Lav]

Great start - was tempted by one of these.

[silversurfer1947]

Last for today. The start of the 4 axle assemblies.

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One assembly complete and ready for the next stage.

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I have to say that so far it has all gone together a lot more easily than I expected, but there is still a long way to go.

My two previous kits I have painted a lot before assembly, but with this, as i have no idea what will show when finished, I decided (wisely I hope) to assemble the whole chassis unpainted.

[silversurfer1947]

Something has been nagging away at me and I have just realised that I have made a mistake. Amongst the add ons was a bag of roller bearings. It has just clicked what they are replacements for. Fortunately it will only be the work of a few minutes to sort out. The small ones are replacements for the yellow plastic bearings visible in the last photo above.

Next job is to build the gearbox. That does look a bit tricky.

[silversurfer1947]

Having reached a convenient point, it is time for lunch. Here's my update on the morning's work. I swiftly changed over the bearing and assembled the other 3 units. You will note this time I have fitted the axles with the correct orientation.

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Next job was the gearbox which went together very quickly.

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I had one mishap. Some of the bearings were a tight fit over the machined flats on the shafts and when fitting the very last one, I broke it. This one has had to use one of the original plastic ones. I would suggest for anyone else to run a file over the shaft round the machined areas and don't push too hard!. The final stage was to fit the 4 axle units and gearbox, together with the two drive shafts. For this I would suggest trying to recruit a well trained octopus. Those extra arms with suckers would come in very handy holding everything in place while you ft all the retaining bracket and bolts. The bevelled gears on each end of the drive shafts are only push fit and therefore fall off if you tit the chassis at all. Anyway, I managed it. Here is the chassis complete with the main drive.

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[PainlessWolf]

Good morning,
It's coming together! What kind of grease are you using for the gearboxes? Kit supplied or Tamiya or something else? I like the way the metal, once dull, is acquiring a polished sheen from your hands doing the assembly. Craftsmanship indeed!
regards,
Painless