Rubicon Models
Rubicon Models => Work In Progress => Topic started by: Rubicon Models on October 01, 2021, 02:31:00 pm
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Our "New Project of the Month" for October is a long-shelved project that we had revived due to increasing requests on our Wish List - the 8-Rad Schwerer Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 234 Armoured Car.
The project will cover ALL four basic variants with the possibility to do two more if sprue space allows. This include:
234/1 - open-topped turret with a 2cm KwK 38 L/55 autocannon and a 7.92mm MG42 machine gun.
234/2 - commonly known as the "Puma" with a 5cm KwK 39 L/60 gun and an MG42.
234/3 - open-topped superstructure replacing the turret with a 7.5cm K51 L/24 gun.
234/4 - open-topped superstructure replacing the turret with a 7.5cm PaK 40 L/46 gun.
Might do two more variants including the Luchs turm and the 2cm Schwebelafette.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/5f/94/dkTyAp4o_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/ba/c0/SyAf1xB7_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/62/11/Px5BTdIE_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/32/39/ETnGL37K_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d2/ed/4WXOwpTM_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/7e/41/wJpbFK1Q_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/a0/d2/O3D3IKmT_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/82/5c/LHt88U6x_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/be/71/uHTBY5JL_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1c/55/L8yqnEum_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8a/e0/AdwXkdFv_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/86/01/REYE305U_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/30/a8/ZmSXJQCG_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/b8/68/mpc45S4O_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1a/b3/Wvd6laOT_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/10/5e/S8DGQ29Y_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/fe/1f/VRZ8nyo2_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/83/32/EOs4z6oW_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/ff/e5/ty4NDLni_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/0d/05/UaGo0wen_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/64/08/tqtnPJ8T_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f6/8d/JcN3oatP_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/36/cb/Wbqc7tks_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/31/27/HU2R2Wz6_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/10/8a/xFAw1KN7_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/fb/f4/rgfKpqQS_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/70/16/zYvXFhTu_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/98/ee/7iJTjILV_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d5/d0/UG50qFdW_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/23/41/1j82aMsE_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/69/c0/VPCRuLsd_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/2c/b8/j1OAjCSA_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/de/59/pxFmsaBU_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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No more kit-bashing
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=764.msg10888
or wishing for
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=1101.msg14579
Side Note:
The fact this project will be a minimum of ALL four basic variants is a big bonus, but that being said, some of us already have multiples of this vehicle in our collections. I for example already have three of the four basic variants, so I guess that means I only have to get one of these kits so I can add the 234/4 to my collection.
234/1 - Very easy kit-bashing (Italeri + Rubicon Models turret)
234/2 - Italeri kit (out of the box)
234/3 - Basic kit-bashing (Italeri + Rubicon Models conversion kit)
234/4 - N/A
Hmmm... I think this new Rubicon Models kit is nice, but I am still waiting for the M3 Medium (Grant/Lee) kit. ;)
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Very interesting! Looking forward to them, and hopefully in the future to a SdKfz 231/232/233 kit to complete the catalogue of German armoured cars.
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While I'm sure it will be a great kit , I feel Rubicon are a little late to the party with this one . I too have converted the Italeri kit using Rubicon's excellent add on sets . The only thing that would entice me to buy a Rubicon version is if the driver's hatch is a separate piece , I would really like to built some of the knocked out 234/2s you see in Normandy pictures . I think it would be better if Rubicon tackled the 231 family , as no one else has done in plastic , yet
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I agree with Tracks,bring on the Grant/Lee!!
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I think it would be better if Rubicon tackled the 231 family , as no one else has done in plastic , yet
Now that you said this, I too find it interesting that Rubicon Models didn't tackle the 231/232 (8-rad) family. Seems so obvious now.
Especially since the 231 (8-rad) and the 232 (radio-version) were introduced before the Polish campaign and used until the end of the war. A far better choice for wargamers and modellers alike.
However, maybe Rubicon Models is up to something we don't know yet, or it could be just a blunt oversight.
(https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/germany/Armored_Cars/SdKfz-231-232-233-8rads/sdkfz_231_8_rad_caucasus.png)
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Guess the 231/2 8rad isn't as sexy as the 234 series , even with more built than all 4 types of 234s . Hell even the ugly box shaped 263 command vehicle had over 250 produced and served on all fronts . And as to Rubicon being up to something , they do tend to surprise us with proposed vehicle releases that we didn't know we wanted ;D
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Nice to see these at the project stage.
I would prefer too see it released as two separate kits of two versions. One sprue of generic parts for the 234 and the extras pieces on sprues B 234/1 and 2, sprue C for 234/3 and 4. Plus a crew sprue.
I see the PUMA graphic does not have the stowage box on the rear fender next to the aerial mount, it only seems to be unique to some 234/2 photos that I have seen.
There also seems to be different designs of tyers as the war progressed, possibly salvaged from other vehicles as needed.
I am not too sure of the other variants planned of the Luches turm or the 20mm schwebelafette as I have only seen these as models. I have not seen any photos of them, I hope someone has info of these variants. However, the 20mm fgst would be useful in making a 251/17D.
Sometime next year I would like too see the 232s, although I am not interested in the Lee/Grant I am sure if it does appear a Priest will surely follow.
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IRC the Luch turret was a one off , or at least the pictures found are of one vehicle . No pictures of it turned to the side so it could be bolted / welded to hull like some command Pzr 3 and 4s turrets . I think the 20mm gun version was again a conversion by front line workshops , sort of like the 20mm AA dropped in the Hetzer recovery vehicle .
The storage box was missing on some models , and as well the side fenders , depending on who built them , had 2 or 4 doors for storage