56 FineScale Modeler September 2019D
eveloped as a replacement for
Germany’s aging Marder APCs,
the Schützenpanzer Puma
comes in two versions, the
basic “a” model and the up-armored “c”
model. Originally there was to be a
“b” version but it was dropped
when the “c” model came in under
the max weight for rail transport.
The additional armor of the “c” ver-
sion simply bolts on the basic Puma
allowing easy conversion between the
versions.
Ryefield Models’ Puma represents
the up-armored “c” variant. Molded in
tan plastic, it features excellent detail.
Especially nice is the delicate nonslip tex-
ture on many of the hull panels and the
finely detailed add-on armor.
Other features include individual-link
tracks, clear plastic periscopes, lights, sen-
sors, and armored glass for the rear hatch.
A small photo-etch (PE) fret provides
small details as well as the front and rear
mud flaps and warning placards that
German vehicles use when operating on
civilian roads.
A small decal sheet provides markings
for just one vehicle, but there is also a blank
number plate and individual numerals if
you want to make a different vehicle.
The instructions feature large diagrams
but a few are cluttered and it is sometimes
difficult to see exactly were some of the
parts go.
The painting and markings diagrams are
small and the complex NATO camouflage
doesn’t always match between top and sideviews. The diagrams printed on the side of
the box are better, but lack a right-side
view.
Assembly begins with the turret, where
you have the option of posing the coaxial
machine gun compartment open or closed.
The main gun can elevate and the covers
for the sensors can be shown open or
closed. I left off the sensor array and beacon
until final assembly.
Assembly of the lower hull was quick
and easy. I left off the running gear until
painting was complete.
Surprisingly there were no instructions
for assembling the tracks. I later found out
that they are on a separate sheet that wasn’t
included with my kit, but I found them
online. Track assembly is pretty easy for
individual-link tracks and went quickly. The
instructions call for 71 links per side, but
that was very tight, so I added an extra link
on each side. You could omit the upper run
of tracks as they’ll never be seen under the
side armor.
I prefer not to add details before the
major components are assembled, so I
diverged from the instructions and added
the main upper hull piece (Part D1) to the
lower hull and main rear plate (Part B1)
right away. In hindsight, if I had followed
the instructions, I might have avoided the
fit issues I experienced with the side armor.
I wound up with some small gaps at the
front mainly on the right side.
All of the hull’s main hatches are
workable, but in the absence of any inte-
rior, I glued them shut.
The armored sides were built up but
left loose so I could install the running
gear after painting. I added the rest of thedetails leaving off some of the more delicate
pieces such as the mirrors and the rear slat
armor. These were painted off the model
and added during final assembly.
I used AK-Interactive Real Color
NATO acrylic lacquers mixing them with
Tamiya lacquer thinner. The colors looked
great and the paint sprayed well.
I applied the decals over a coat of clear
gloss and they responded well to
Microscale Micro Set and Sol. Once dry
the model was sprayed with Tamiya flat
clear.
Finally, I added the parts left off. For
some reason, the PE front mud flaps and
warning placards were curved on the fret. I
was able to straighten them by applying my
Mk.1 thumb and forefinger.
I spent about 32 hours building my
Puma. The finished model matched per-
fectly the dimensions I found online and
verified at a couple of websites. With its
small parts and many subassemblies that
need to fit, this kit is definitely for the
experienced builder, but the finished model
was worth the effort. I wonder if, with all
the working hatches, Ryefield might be
planning on releasing a version with an
interior?- John Plzak
Ryefield Schützenpanzer Puma
WORKBENCH REVIEWS
Kit: No. 5021 Scale: 1/35
Mfr.: Ryefield, ryefield-model.com
Price: $68.50 Comments: Injection-
molded, 801 parts (20 PE, wire) decals
Pros: Excellent detail, especially the non-
skid on the hull; easy to assemble individ-
ual-link tracks; good use of PE Cons: Lack
of track assembly instructions; small, soft
marking and painting diagrams