Sd.Kfz. 234/2 "Puma" 1:16 Das Werk 16006

Plastic military model kit: Sd.Kfz. 234/2 "Puma" 1:16 Das Werk 16006

The plastic model kit: Sd.Kfz. 234/2 "Puma" in 1:16 scale from Das Werk is an exceptional offering for enthusiasts of modeling and World War II history. This detailed static model allows for the recreation of one of the most famous German armored vehicles from that period.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:16
• Catalog number: DW16006
• Highly detailed plastic model
• Two suspension options
• Metal barrel included
• Ability to build in standard or command version
• Ability to open/close hatches
• Adjustable steering angle
• Photo-etched parts included
• Commander figure as a bonus

Four marking options:

• 7th Panzer Division, Panzeraufklärungs-Abteilung 7, Western Pomerania, Gotenhafen/Danzig, March 1945
• 2nd Panzer Division, 1st Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 2, Western Front, Normandy, France, Summer 1944
• Panzer-Lehr-Division, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehr-Abteilung 130, Germany 1944
• 20th Panzer Division, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 20, Neisse, Silesia, Eastern Front, March 1945

Historical background:

Sd.Kfz. 234/2, also known as "Puma," was part of the family of German armored vehicles developed during World War II. Equipped with a turret featuring a 5 cm KwK 39/1 gun and a co-axial MG 42 machine gun, the "Puma" was one of the most recognizable reconnaissance vehicles of the Wehrmacht. Although originally designed for reconnaissance tasks, its relatively powerful armament often tempted crews to engage in combat.

The development of wheeled armored vehicles in Germany began after World War I, as they were not subject to the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles. Sd.Kfz. 234 was the successor to earlier models from the GS series, such as Sd.Kfz. 231/232/233 (8-Rad). The design of the new vehicle started in August 1940, taking into account experiences from the campaigns in Poland and France.

Production of Sd.Kfz. 234/2 began in late 1943 and continued until mid-1944, when it was replaced by a simpler model, Sd.Kfz. 234/1. The "Puma" was the first and only German armored vehicle with an air-cooled diesel engine, which was intended to be a temporary solution until a better engine for harsh tropical conditions could be developed.

Although the desert campaign ended before the Sd.Kfz. 234 was introduced into service, this vehicle proved useful on both the Eastern and Western fronts. It was often used in pairs, with one vehicle equipped with a long-range communication set and the other with a short-range set. A distinctive feature of the long-range vehicle was a large star-shaped antenna on the left side.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.