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    Rare prisoner

    PUMA with “LUCHS” tower

    Sd.Kfz.234/2 "Luchs" Turret - MiniArt 35416 1:35 

    In the final stages of the war, when spare parts and functional vehicles were in short supply, German units resorted to field modifications. One of these was the mounting of a turret from a Panzer II Ausf. L "Luchs" light tank on the Sd.Kfz. 234/2 chassis. This modification was probably an improvisation in the field, as the turret from the "Luchs" was available and compatible with the "Puma" chassis.

    Evidence of the existence of such a vehicle comes from film footage of the surrender of the 17th Panzer Division of the Wehrmacht to American troops in Czechoslovakia. This footage shows a Sd.Kfz. 234 with a turret from a Panzer II "Luchs". Some sources state that such modifications were very rare, with the number of units produced estimated at one to five.

    Technical and practical aspects

    The turret from the Panzer II was originally designed for a light reconnaissance tank and was equipped with a 2 cm KwK 38 gun. Its installation on the Sd.Kfz. 234/2 chassis may have been motivated by the desire to maintain the vehicle's functionality in conditions where it was not possible to obtain the original "Puma" turret. Although there is no precise information on whether the turret was fully functional or just firmly attached, it is assumed that it was a functional modification that allowed at least limited combat use.

    Kit description

    This unique modification has also found application in model circles. And after the manufacturer Dragon, the company MiniArt comes with its own detailed model of the sd.kfz.234/2 LUCHS in 1:35 scale, which also includes the interior of the vehicle. This model is another version of the series of kits from Miniart on the Puma chassis.

    Thanks to my friends from Plastic planet, I got this model in my hands, and I was able to get to work. The model is basically a new product, and the quality of the moldings is also at a high level. Even though it is an interior kit, I decided to build this model closed, exactly according to the available photo.

    Conclusion

    A modification of this type represents an interesting example of field improvisation by German units during World War II. Although this is a very rare case, it testifies to the flexibility and adaptability of military mechanics in difficult conditions.

     

     

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