Miniart 1/35 Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma (35419)

This review is dedicated to Miniart 1/35 Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma (35419). Kit comes as completely new plastic from the well-known brand. It is molded in popular scale and should be also available in version with interior. Nevertheless, this review is dedicated to the one without interior. For some modelers it might be more attractive as they will be able to focus on external features. Overall packaging is typical - all frame are sealed into one plastic bag. Let's open everything and check together.

By the way, here you can read review with tank in the same scale.
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The Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma, also known by its nickname "Puma," was a German armored fighting vehicle used during World War II. Here's a glimpse into its history:

Origins: In 1940, the German army sought an agile and well-armed eight-wheeled armored car ideal for desert environments. Büssing, a German truck manufacturer, took on the challenge.
Design and Production: The resulting Sd.Kfz.234/2 featured an all-wheel drive system with all wheels steerable, enhancing its maneuverability. It was powered by a reliable Tatra 103 air-cooled diesel engine, allowing for long operational ranges, especially crucial in desert conditions. The main armament was a 5 cm KwK 38 cannon housed in a fully enclosed turret, providing firepower for reconnaissance and combat. Production began in late 1943 and continued until mid-1944, with only around 101 vehicles rolling off the assembly line.
Operational Use: Despite the limited production numbers, the Sd.Kfz.234/2 saw action on various fronts during the latter stages of the war. They were deployed with Panzer divisions, primarily for reconnaissance duties. Their speed and maneuverability were assets, but the relatively light armor limited their effectiveness in head-on engagements with heavier enemy tanks.
Legacy: The Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma's short service life and limited production numbers prevented a significant impact on the war. However, its design showcased the potential of wheeled armored vehicles, paving the way for future advancements in this category.

Watch this video where I show all parts even closer.

First frame is one of the biggest in the kit. Here you will find some of the hull panels as well as wheels. Note that design of those is different from what you will see further in the article.

Top section of the hull is molded on the separate frame. Note that some panels will have to be installed, I guess it was done in order to accommodate more versions.

External side panels are also separate parts with hatches molded on the same sprue. Such design might come handy if you would like to open one of those.

Just like any other German military vehicle, this one has complex suspension design. All parts look great out of the box and deserve a nice paintwork.

All stowage boxes are molded in shut position. I can bet that we will see aftermarket with openable covers.

Turret parts division is typical for this section. Note also one-piece main barrel which will have to be connected with separately molded muzzle brake.

All hatches are molded as separate parts, so you can open them on your model. Here it is also worthy to check welding seams on the turret.

Lower hull section is assembled out of separate panels. There are guiding pins which will help you with alignment. Floor panel is here, but I remind again that today's boxing is without interior.

Last grey frames are quite wide and carry mix of various parts. Some of those are very small, so be ready to work with tweezers.

Plastic roadwheels look great and have a lot features premolded on them.

Clear frame is packed into a separate plastic bag. Molding quality looks great, but there are no masks included in the box.

Unpainted PE fret is packed into a separate envelope. Here Miniart placed mix of parts for jerry cans and some external features.

Decals sheet is printed in Cartograf, and you don't have to worry about any quality issues. Here you will find all necessary symbols for six markings which are shown on the photo below.

Assembly manual is typical for this brand. I show all pages in the video-review.

New "Puma" should be already available for purchase. In my opinion Miniart did a great job in order to copy this unusual vehicle. Moreover, it is cool to see both interior and interior-less versions being released at the same time. What you get out of the box is really impressive and should be easy to work with. I think we will also see some aftermarket for this kit, but even the standard plastic will be fun to assemble. :)

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