Hobby Boss 83861 Schneider CA (1/35) – Plastic model of a French World War I tank

The Hobby Boss 83861 Schneider CA 1:35 plastic model kit is a precisely reproduced miniature of the legendary French Schneider CA tank – the first mass-produced combat tank in France. This product is aimed at historical modeling enthusiasts, particularly those passionate about armored vehicles from eras crucial to the development of military technology.

Historical background of the Schneider CA vehicle

The Schneider CA was developed in 1916 as a response to the harsh conditions of trench warfare on the Western Front during World War I. This tank was mainly used by the French army for breaking through trench lines, supporting infantry, and overcoming engineering obstacles. Its combat debut took place during the offensive in April 1917 at Berry-au-Bac. Although the Schneider's armament and armor quickly became outdated, the vehicle played an important role in the development of armored fighting vehicles, paving the way for subsequent French and international tank designs.

• Scale: 1:35
• Country of use: France
• Historical period: World War I (1916–1918)
• Category: Plastic model kit
• Material: high-quality plastic (polystyrene)
• Set contents: sprues with hull and turret details, parts for replicating the undercarriage, decals, sectional tracks, clear assembly instructions
• Add-ons: no photo-etched or metal parts – an entirely plastic model
• Model dimensions: approx. 172 mm in length when assembled

Recommendations and difficulty level

Hobby Boss 83861 is a model that faithfully reflects the distinctive features of the Schneider CA – the drive layout, side armor, short-barreled cannon, and construction details. The detailed elements and finely rendered panel lines make this kit appealing to both experienced modelers and ambitious beginners. We rate the difficulty at 2/5 – thanks to the clear instructions and well-thought-out parts breakdown.

The kit allows you to build a realistic replica with the option for custom painting. We recommend this product to all military history enthusiasts, World War I diorama builders, and collectors of French armored vehicles who value the highest quality and attention to detail.