Well, I have decided to start working on my Dragon 234/1 Puma. I started this a few years back and never finished it as is so often the case. I am building this straight from the box as it is a nicely detailed kit and comes with P.E. parts as well. I have already completed the undercarriage which is a very detailed example. It is not a beginners kit by any means as there are some very small parts and complex assemblies as so often is the case with Dragon kits. I personally like the complexity of these kits but it does tend to throw off many beginner modelers.
Assembly of the undecarriage went rather smooth. This is a fixed suspension and I found that the best type of glue to use for these complex assemblies is Tamiya Extra Thin liquid glue. Steps 1 through 3 went along fine. Just be sure to take the time to glue all pieces in correctly.
Next was the interior which are covered in steps 4 to 8. The interior was done well. The only complaint I have is that there was alot of extra holes and humps to gide pieces in place that were not used. This is becuse the hull is used for the various versions of the 234's Dragon makes. I undestand that some equipment was left out because it may have not came with this version but I feel they could have included some type of accesories to mount inside. Most of the interior will be hidden but you will see a good portion of it if you plan on keeping all hatches open as I do. Parts C1 and C3, the gas tank halves, need some putty and clean up but not bad.
Assembly of the undecarriage went rather smooth. This is a fixed suspension and I found that the best type of glue to use for these complex assemblies is Tamiya Extra Thin liquid glue. Steps 1 through 3 went along fine. Just be sure to take the time to glue all pieces in correctly.
Next was the interior which are covered in steps 4 to 8. The interior was done well. The only complaint I have is that there was alot of extra holes and humps to gide pieces in place that were not used. This is becuse the hull is used for the various versions of the 234's Dragon makes. I undestand that some equipment was left out because it may have not came with this version but I feel they could have included some type of accesories to mount inside. Most of the interior will be hidden but you will see a good portion of it if you plan on keeping all hatches open as I do. Parts C1 and C3, the gas tank halves, need some putty and clean up but not bad.
After the interior I moved right along through the rest of the build. I know it seems a little weird not to give and details but to be totally honest, Dragon did such a wonderful job with these kits that there was really no specific problems to speak of. I have got alot of the exterior painting done and have some photos below. I have decided to keep this all a german tan color with no camo. I love the kit so much that I feel the camo takes away from the beauty of the kit itself. When countries started building the new troop carriers of today such as the BMP's and the like, these Pumas were a big inspriration in design.
