Hobby Boss 83868 IDF APC PUMA – Israeli Armored Personnel Carrier in 1:35 Scale

The Hobby Boss 83868 IDF APC PUMA model is a precisely reproduced plastic assembly kit of the Israeli PUMA armored personnel carrier (an acronym for “Poor man’s Merkava Armored fighting vehicle“). The 1:35 scale allows for faithful representation of the details characteristic of this vehicle, which for years has been an element of the Israeli Armed Forces, providing infantry support and carrying out engineering tasks such as mine clearing and transporting soldiers.

Model Highlights

• Detailed sprues with precisely replicated surface and armament details.
• The model features characteristic reactive armor, hatches, and specialized equipment used by the IDF Engineering Corps.
• The set includes realistically rendered segment tracks and interior details of the troop compartment.
• Color assembly instructions with step-by-step illustrations make it easier for even less experienced modelers to assemble the kit.

Historical Facts

The PUMA carrier was used mainly by the Israel Defense Forces from the 1990s through to modern times. The vehicle was based on the Centurion tank chassis, extensively rebuilt to fulfill engineering support roles on the battlefield. It served, among other operations, during missions in the Gaza Strip and on the Lebanese border, where it was effectively used for mine-clearance missions and to protect sapper units.

Material and Accessories

• The model is made of high-quality plastic, making it easy to work with and finish.
• The kit includes decals with IDF markings and allows for free vehicle configuration.
• Glue and paints are not included – color scheme selection enables individual customization of the model.

Product Category

Plastic model kit – modern military vehicle, recommended for military modeling enthusiasts and collectors of IDF equipment.

Recommendation and Difficulty

Hobby Boss 83868 IDF APC PUMA is a very well-designed model, especially recommended for intermediate and advanced modelers (difficulty level: 4/5) due to the complex hull construction and engineering equipment details. It is an excellent choice for anyone interested in Israeli military technology and realistic representations of combat vehicles for modern battlefield dioramas.