1/50 Renault FT (Kuomintang)

**PacificWind** · #1 07-22-2020, 06:04 AM

Here's the model I completed yesterday. A short-term project that took me only five days. I just needed something fun to build after the quite difficult, challenging Hitler's Mercedes-Benz 770K (W150).
The model of my FT is mostly a Wayne McCullough's design, resized to 1/50 scale and repainted. Also, I've made some modifications, like the tracks from WoT model and couple of the details I designed to replace some parts. The parts I either designed from zero or just redesigned a bit are gun, toolbox, shovel, exhaust and a few minor details. On the new toolbox you can even see a Chinese inscription, 工具, what means "tools" in English. I think it's a pretty nice touch.

I've decided to recreate a tank used in China in 1930s by the National Revolutionary Army(military arm of the Kuomintang). The history of these Renaults is unclear. Most likely they were used for training but there're also speculations about their involvement in the defense of Nanking in 1937.

**CharlieC** · #2 07-22-2020, 06:38 AM

There are a couple of Wayne's FT models in 1:48/1:50 scale on Landships II.

If you would like to contribute your Chinese FT to Landships II I'd be happy to host it.

The Chinese FTs had a varied history - the original batch were left by the French intervention force in Vladivostok in 1919 when the French withdrew and given to the Chinese Fengtian Army. They were used as part of the border defences against incursions by the Russians in the 1920s. Another 14 FTs were acquired from France in 1924-25 and all fought against one of the warlords in 1926. Once the Japanese took over Manchuria in 1931 the surviving FTs were given to the Manchukuo Army.

The Japanese Army also had a small number of Renault FTs - these were used for training but saw some action in Manchuria in 1932.

Regards,

Charlie

**PacificWind** · #3 07-22-2020, 07:28 AM

Somehow, I didn't notice the 1/50 and 1/48 FTs on Landships II. Now I see they're also there.

I'd be glad to contribute my Chinese FT to Landships II. However, give me just a few days to arrange all parts on the sheets. Then I'll send you a pdf.
Shall I use the email that is in "Contact" on Landships II?

**Don Boose** · #4 07-22-2020, 07:40 AM

Excellent model, Kacper. I'm always glad to see some of the lesser-known items of military equipment that operated in East Asia in the first half of the 20th century.

I would add to the FTs in China saga the six M1917 six-tonners that were sent to Shanghai with the 3rd Marine Brigade (Marine Expeditionary Force) under Brigadier General Smedley Butler in 1927. Wayne has produced a model of one of these tanks (Landships II).

The images below are from the U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry Collection by way of the Online Tank Museum (https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww1/US/M1917-light-tank/).

Charlie - please weigh in if I have any of this wrong or if there is more to add.

Don

**PacificWind** · #5 07-22-2020, 07:59 AM

Thanks, Don.

I've heard about those M1917 that were sent to China. The picture I used as a reference for my project had also two USMC M1917s from Tientsin, China 1927.

**Vinalssergio155** · #6 07-22-2020, 08:45 AM

Wonderful work Kacper! It is very good to see this type of machines from those pioneering years. Charlie always provides a lot of extra information as well as Don who for those who little we know is very useful. That is why I love this site, in addition to seeing magnificent works such as yours Kacper always comes with valuable information. I look forward to your project in August.

**PacificWind** · #7 07-22-2020, 03:04 PM

Thanks, Sergio!

**Butelczynski** · #8 07-22-2020, 05:03 PM

Excellent model Kacper.Fast build too.One page model?

While reading up on Finnish used FT-17s I came across a mention of technical issues Finns had with original engines tanks came with.They tried to fit other,newer engines and failed .In similar fashion Poles,Russians and Japanese tried other engines and only Japanese succeeded.

I'm guessing Chinese had similar issues and engines/drivetrains on their tanks wore out beyond point of reliability.I'm not surprised they disappeared from history.

**CharlieC** · #9 07-22-2020, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butelczynski

Excellent model Kacper.Fast build too.One page model?

While reading up on Finnish used FT-17s I came across a mention of technical issues Finns had with original engines tanks came with.They tried to fit other,newer engines and failed .In similar fashion Poles,Russians and Japanese tried other engines and only Japanese succeeded.

I'm guessing Chinese had similar issues and engines/drivetrains on their tanks wore out beyond point of reliability.I'm not surprised they disappeared from history.

The Japanese must have thought that the FTs they captured from the Chinese still had some military value since they gave them to the Manchukuo Army in 1932. (Manchukuo was the puppet country set up by the Japanese to run Manchuria - it even had an Emperor).

Doing an engine swapout on the FT can't have been that difficult - the US Army 6-ton tank was a copy of the FT and it started out with a Buda engine rather than the Renault engine. In the late 20s the Buda engine was replaced by a more powerful Franklin engine. It probably is a reflection of the limited engineering capabilities in Finland at the time rather than an inherent problem.

The Japanese seemed to quite like the FT and bought 23 NC-27s in 1930 to bulk up the numbers of the (perhaps) 22 FTs they had to make a viable tank force for use in Manchuria.

Regards,

Charlie

**CharlieC** · #10 07-22-2020, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacificWind

Somehow, I didn't notice the 1/50 and 1/48 FTs on Landships II. Now I see they're also there.

I'd be glad to contribute my Chinese FT to Landships II. However, give me just a few days to arrange all parts on the sheets. Then I'll send you a pdf.
Shall I use the email that is in "Contact" on Landships II?

Yes that will be great - thanks.

Charlie