Sd.Kfz. 234 Detail Sets
Kit # P-72 150, 151 & 152 Preview by Doug Chaltry - 172tankmodeler(at)comcast(dot)net
Sd.Kfz. 234/1 (#72150) Sd.Kfz. 234/2 (#72151) Sd.Kfz. 234/3 (#72152)
Photoetched detail sets from PART are known to be large, complex, and containing many, very small pieces. These three sets are no exception. These sets are treated to a combined preview, as they very similar, and the primary fret of detail parts is common between all three, with each set coming with two smaller frets with additional details specific to each version. There has been no set released for the 234/4. Despite these sets being specifically designed for the Hasegawa 234 kits (hence no 234/4), they are equally useful for all 234 kits currently on the market.

Much of the large fret is taken up with pieces for the engine intake vents. When I built my Italeri 234/2, I chose not to replace the intake vents, and I now regret it. Although these brass replacement parts will take much care and effort to build properly, I feel that they are some of the most important pieces in these sets for improving the looks of the final models.

As you can see, the 234/1 set includes almost a complete replacement turret. The Hasegawa turret is pretty fine itself, but having the turret walls made from thin brass will definitely be an improvement over the kit parts. I feel the 234/2 set is less helpful than the others, because there are not many parts included for improving the Puma turret. PART has typically included replacement hatches in previous sets, even for kits that come with open hatches, but in this case, the 234/2 set does not include new hatches. Although the Hasegawa kit comes with open hatches, they could have looked better with replacements, and for the other plastic kits without open hatches, this set will be less useful without replacements. There are also no turret hatch periscope details, which I think is a major oversight for any of the plastic kits. Interior parts are plentiful for all three sets, though only on the 234/3 kit will any of it be visible. No set has been released specifically for the 234/4, but any of these sets will provide many useful parts for super-detailing those models as well (combined with the PaK 40 detail set from Armory).

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Article Last Updated: 1 December 2009