...since I built the Bandai Wespe as a kid. I just received a Fuman SdKfz 232, still in original shrink wrap, that I won on eBay. It's been about 30 years since I've seen a Bandai kit up close and I have to say, this one's a pretty good looking kit in the box for being so old. It's looks to be a really great starting point for a 231/232. It should take some basic detailing, new tools, extra gear, and gun barrels to make into a 1st class 8 Rad. The Fuman molds have a fair amount of flash but nothing too terrible. I'm looking forward to starting this one. If you can find one of these kits, I reccomend buying it.
Unfortunatey, the box was a bit crushed and the upper hull is cracked in 3 places. Again, nothing that can't be easily repaired. The lower hull however, is a different matter. A significant section of one side (right where the access hatch should be) did not get fully molded. I'm guessing Funman's quality control wasn't as good as Bandai's. I can probably fix it with some sheet plastic but it would sure be nice to have a properly molded part.
Anyone here have an old 232 'parts' kit that would be willing to hook me up (sell/trade) with a lower hull?
Hi Dave, I can't help on the damaged part, as I am also trying to obtain one of the kits off "evil-bay". The kits are going for rediculous prices, but that is a kit I don't think any main stream manufacturer will ever do again. Consider yourself lucky even with the damaged parts, as I keep looking and bidding. Did the seller disclose to you the info on the damaged parts?. Cheers, Alan Vandam
The seller did mention the box was slightly crushed but since it was still in it's original shrink wrap (and believe me, it was original) there's no way he could know about damaged or defective parts.
I don't blame the seller and I'm happy to have the kit as a bas from which to start. I won it for just under $25, so I'm not complaining. I've been bidding on Bandai and Fuman 8-Rad 232 kits for several months and am glad to finally have one. They can be had for reasonable prices, you just have to be persistant.