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Puma large diameter wheels possessed superb cross-country cruising, for this armored car was originally designed for operations in North Africa open deserts and flat rolling Steppes of southern Soviet Union. German derived vehicle design from Italian armor cars ( ex. AB-41 model ) , which saw extensive service in North Africa and Eastern Africa patrolling her colonial possessions. Italian Armor Cars - mailer.fsu.edu/~akirk/tanks/Italy/ItalianArmoredCars.html
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Weathering on large boggie tires rendered via pastel powder paint wash, by which red brown pastel powder was grinned-up on sand paper, then sprinkled into paint thinner solution, painted onto wheel, allow powder-thinner solution to flow into part crevices. Once dried, excess powder removed with Cotton Swab tip dabbed in paint thinner, remaining weathering automatically dried to flat lusterless finish.
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Two Stahlhelm ( steel helmets ) and Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle also stowed externally. Assault rifle used as crew defense weapon as they evacuate vehicle. Stahlhelm shape characteristic of German WW1 to WW2 design for quick battlefield friend-vs-foe recognition. Stahlhelm, the Steel Helmets of the German Army - www.nyc-techwriters.com/militaria/articles/german_helmets.htm
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Rollover : ( Rollover JPG link ) | Rust and annealed metal on muffler exhaust covers created by brushing coat of Liquid Cement and sprinkling Baking Soda onto its surface. Area then painted TESTOR Earth Brown, paint washed TESTOR Black, dry brushed TESTOR Tan. Full size spare tire carried less for possible road puncture, and more for enemy roadside mines. Radio antenna base installed in protective armor box since it was routinely shot-off in combat when mounted in the open.
 Factory-fresh Puma making its promotional photo debuted. Tarpin wrapped around muzzle brake to prevent dust / debris from clogging gun chamber. In background is typical circular European message board for mass communication. This was standard public messaging before widespread usage of radio in 1930-1940s, TV by 1950s, and Internet by 1990s.
Note on message board is German soldier poster wearing his Stahlhelm ( steel helmet ), probably prodding his compatriots to produce more armaments for the front or asking younger members to enlist rather than wait for official military draft order given critical German manpower shortage in frontlines throughout WW2. NAZI PROPAGANDA POSTERS | PZG Stahlhelm-Werke Reproduction WWII German Helmets | GHC |
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Panzertruppe ( armor crewman ) in front of Puma during field trials. He is wearing black Feldmütze ( field cap ) denoting his Panzer service branch and field-grey jump suit ( issued since 1943 ).
Immediately behind him is German white license plate, standard identification badge for all vehicles exception fully tracked tanks, assault guns, self-propelled artillery, tank destroyers, etc.
One can make out small outline of letter " W ", thus making a good guess license plate has prefix " WH " for Wehrmacht Heere ( Armed Forces Army, or Army ).
Wehrmacht | Wiki
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Puma front driver station, steering column is arc inward due to space constraints. Front armor visor atop, access hatch to right for emergence evacuation.
As with German WW2-era 8-rad armor car design, there is a secondary driver station in rear compartment. Rationale was that in case of sudden enemy engagements, no need for 180-degree vehicle turn, the secondary driver in rear will take over and make prompt linear withdrawal.
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Puma after bout in frontline combat, this one probably abandoned by crew and captured intact by Allies in Normandy.
It is missing all 4 water canisters in front fender rack. Given dire German combat in Normandy, this Puma in relatively good shape ( ex. radio pole in armor cup, rear stowage bins, spare MG ammo box on fender, 6 canisters for smoke dischargers ).
License plate is blurred, but faint outline of WH prefix can be seen, thus Puma assigned to Heer ( Army ) service.
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Close-up of Puma turret mounted Smoke Dischargers ( also called Smoke Candles in European military nomenclature ).
Mounting apparatus on turret meant it has 360-degree discharge capability.
On hull, one of armor visor port is opened, while 4 small loops for equipment / foliage tie-down shown.
On turret, faint #432 outline seen ( 4th Company, 3rd Platoon, 2nd vehicle in platoon ). There is also a hook on rear turret, left-over from vehicle assembly process, item used to hoist gun turret into placement onto Puma hull.
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Puma front area with its large steel crash barrier bumper. WH ( Army ) license plate painted on hull, while driver access hatch has handle welded on outside which rarely seen in WW2 photos.
Its driving light on lower right fender has been shattered, thus an empty hulk. |
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