Renault R35 (Syria-Lebanon campaign 1941)

[Zenon1947]

In the meanwhile, when I was working on some of my recent airplanes, I was also building this French WWII light tank, Renault R35. It's a scratch project(based on the very old Maly Modelarz kit) I did together with my grandson, Kacper, who's also a member of Papermodelers.
Model has been built entirely by me; Kacper did the camouflage, markings and whole that painting work. Photos are also his job.

According to what we've found about this particular tank, it's a R35 of 1st Compagnie Autonome de Chars de Combat(Free France) during Syria-Lebanon campaign 1941.
Formerly, it was a Vichy tank.
On the turret, it's written "GRINCHEUX", what means "grumpy".

Scale 1/25

[PacificWind]

And a few words from me...
This R35 was quite difficult subject as it's not easy to find any detailed informations about French WWII armor. However, after some research, I managed to find enough to recreate this tank quite accurately. Also special thanks to Carlos(cafe). He also helped me a lot.
Here're sources I used:
Renault R35/40 - Tank Encyclopedia
1944 501e RCC HISTORIQUE

[rockpaperscissor]

Great modelling job on a interesting tank. Is it possible to list some of the modifications (other than paint), that you did on the old Maly kit? I have a copy of the original Maly publication, and I always wondered how accurate the model would be if built as designed.

[PacificWind]

Originally Posted by rockpaperscissor

Is it possible to list some of the modifications (other than paint), that you did on the old Maly kit? I have a copy of the original Maly publication, and I always wondered how accurate the model would be if built as designed.

I wasn't really involved in the building process but I know quite a lot so I'll try to list at least some of the modifications my grandfather did:
1)reprinted on a better quality cardboard
2)many details like 37m gun, shock absorbers, exhaust , etc. have been modified or replaced

There might be some "hidden" changes as well.
Zenon will probably tell you more tomorrow.

[Butelczynski]

Originally Posted by rockpaperscissor

Great modelling job on a interesting tank. Is it possible to list some of the modifications (other than paint), that you did on the old Maly kit? I have a copy of the original Maly publication, and I always wondered how accurate the model would be if built as designed.

I build that old model I think twice ,maybe more.It's very enjoyable and easy to build but accurate it isn't.If you look at pictures of real thing there is hardly a corner to be found on this tank.all edges are rounded because tank is mostly cast,not welded or riveted.

That being said Maly kit can be a good starting point for a number of vehicles Germans build on them.

You won't find better info on Renault than from Chieftain himself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMqbkQcDe9E

[Zenon1947]

Originally Posted by PacificWind

1)reprinted on a better quality cardboard
2)many details like 37m gun, shock absorbers, exhaust , etc. have been modified or replaced

These are indeed the most important changes. I also made the suspension system more durable by installing wires and metal bars through the hull to the wheels.
Road wheels have also strengthened construction; I used needles there.

So the model is basically the same MM as original, just on a better cardboard, with more accurate details and of course with a different camouflage & markings.

[rockpaperscissor]

Thank you for the information, gents. I will check out the chieftain's episode on the Renault.

[Don Boose]

Good work. Thanks for the additional information.

Don

[rockpaperscissor]

I watched the Chieftain's hatch R-35 episode just now. Made me smile a few times. He doesn't have a particularly favorable opinion of the tank, that's for sure.

I don't know if it's possible to round the sharp corners of the kit in some way - certainly not with the original paper anyway, so a scan is called for. I may experiment a bit.

[CharlieC]

There's plenty of information on the Renault R35 at:


1935 CHAR RENAULT R 35


The drawings of the tank are after literally hundreds of images.


The text is in French but Google Translate is much better than it used to be.


Regards,


Charlie