HOBBYBOSS SPz Puma German Infantry Fighting Vehicle - 1/35 HOBBYBOSS via Creative Models

[Julien]

SPz Puma German Infantry Fighting Vehicle
1/35 HOBBYBOSS via Creative Models

 

The German realised back in the 1970s that the Infantry needed a Fighting Vehicle as opposed to just a troop carrier and the Marder was developed for this purpose.  It was then realised the Marder was getting long in the tooth so development began for a new vehicle. The Schutenpanzer of new IFV came through a process of looking for the replacement.  The new vehicle feature modular composite armour, a 30mm auto canon and a Spike LR missile launcher with 2 missiles. The optics and sensor are fully upto date with thermal vision and low light capabilities as standard for the gunner and driver, these even feed into the passenger cabin to provide situational awareness for the troops being carried. The in a new feature the rear door can partially open to allow a couple of troops to scoot out without exposing the rear compartment. The German Army has ordered 350 units which should be delivered by 2020, and combat effective from 2024.  Other countries are looking at the Puma though to date none have been ordered. 

The Kit
This kit from HobbyBoss is a new tool. There are the main hull castings, 6 main sprues, a clear sprue, 7 sprues of track parts and two smaller casting for the turret and its gun.  Construction starts with the suspension components being added to the main lower hull. The drive sprockets, idler wheels, main wheels and return rollers are all then added.  

 

 

 

The tracks are then made up and added, these are individual links to each two track pads need to be added for each link. There are 71 links per side. 

 

 

 

Once the tracks are on the rear door is fitted to the rear bulkhead and this is attached to the main body.  Work then switched to the top hull. The roof hatches for the troop compartment are added along with vision blocks and other fittings. The top hull can then be joined to the lower one. The large armoured skirts can then be fitted to each side, and the exhaust louvres fitted.  Additional hull parts are fitted at the front, and mud guards at the rear along with the convoy light and tow hooks.  For the main hill various additional parts are fitted as well as what seems to be slat armour protection for the vehicle and counter measure systems.

 

 

 

Moving onto the turret, the gun is first built up with the barrel being added into arm casing, and then this being attached to the main body of the turret. Sensors are added along with smoke dischargers. The completed turret can then be added to the vehicle.

 

 

Decals
A small decal sheet gives marking for three German Army vehicles.

 

Conclusion
This is a great looking kit from HobbyBoss of the latest German APC/IFV and their attention to detail is to be commended. Overall Highly recommended.

 

 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

[Julien]

At the time of posting this kit is on offer with a 30% discount at Creative Models.

 

Julien