"S-Model H35 & R35 In Stock at The Hobby Den" Topic

A semi-fast build H-35?!!!! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!!!

Leland R. Erickson
Metal Express
metal-express.net

OK. I am taking it upon myself to cheerlead this new kit release from S-Model, as I don't think most of you lot of hooligans fully appreciate the significance of the Hotchkiss H-35 to the French Army of 1940, it's many quirks and design failings notwithstanding…

First of all, the H35 was *the* light tank of the 1e and 2e DLMs, and were heavily engaged in the Gembloux Gap battles of 1940. So if you want to field the top drawer combat formations of the 1940 French Army, you're going to need a small bucketload of these lil' critters.

The added bonus to that necessity of historical accuracy is that the H35 is the most colorful tank of the whole period, and what wargamer doesn't want to field a company of tanks looking like these:

link

Now if you'll all pardon me, I will resume running around in a circle waving my arms and yelling incoherently with maniacal joy…

Leland R. Erickson
Metal Express
metal-express.net

I am (almost) as excited as you!

This is a great time for fast build wargame standard tank kits.

If only I didn't have a box full of old Airfix – still on the sprue. Still, they never did THIS tank !

Who stocks these in the USA????

Binky says "OINK"

Airfix? They did neither of these French tanks (nor any others for that matter IIRC). Further, most Airfix AFVs were 1/76 scale rather than 1/72 scale (and there is a noticeable difference between the two IMHO).

The Renault R35 also tempts me even though I have penty of 'em already in the form of the excellent white metal models from RAFM Miniatures of Canada. Those were even more elaborately camouflaged than the Hotchkiss H35s in a number of cases as you can see here:

I am sorely tempted by the R35 as well, as I am sitting on a bunch of unpainted HaT Industrie 1/72 scale Rumanians who are going to need some armor support…

Leland R. Erickson
Metal Express
metal-express.net

…I am sitting on a bunch of unpainted HaT Industrie 1/72 scale Rumanians…

Not good for the rifles…

I think I have some "Airfix" versions, that were reboxed Heller models.

Lovely to see

Like red paint on a fire truck.

I'm very excited about these kits too! I'm looking forward to starting a French force.

But … the unique and colorful camouflage is certainly part of the appeal, but where to start? I'm assuming it wasn't random, and certain patterns were to be found in certain units.

Is there a good source, or sources, for the 1940 French OOB and the camouflage and markings of the units? BlackWidowPilot's pictures are very inspiring, but where do they come from? Any info would be much appreciated.

Silurian,

the best sources are Trackstory booklets, but they are not cheap (but they are based on primary source materials and are produced to a first rate standard):

minitracks.fr/trackstory.htm

Another volume worth every penny that will give you excellent color plates to work from for the H35s and larger S35 chars de cavalerie is a focal narrative of the 1e DLM, LA 1RE DLM AU COMBAT: Chars et Blinde's de Cavalerie, 1939 – 1940 by Erik Barbanson and Francois Vauvillier. The text is entirely French, however the book is lavishly illustrated with color plates, black and white drawings and period photos, and is well worth the cover price even as a visual guide:

The book covers the S35, the H35, and the other AFVs and softskins that were in use with 1e DLM during the French Campaign May-June 1940.

Online you'd be amazed what you can find concerning the French Army of 1940, including the TO&E of the 1e DLM:

link

So the 4e Regiment de Cuirassiers and the 18e Régiment de Dragons were the constituent tank units that made up the 1e DLM:

link

The best thing to do IMHO is to pinpoint a unit you would like to recreate for a specific part of the French Campaign, then research the camouflage and markings of the chars in that particular unit.

Hope this helps!

Leland R. Erickson
Metal Express
metal-express.net

"I think I have some "Airfix" versions, that were reboxed Heller models."

Um, IIRC the only WW2 French tank kit Heller made in 1/72 scale was the SOMUA S35. Outside of resin or white metal no kit of the R35 or H35 existed in 1/72 scale until RPM issued their iterations a few years ago.

My own SOMUA S35s are some Chinese made diecasts I repainted as part of 1e DLM:

Now, how many of these lil' beasties do I need/want…?

Leland R. Erickson
Metal Express
metal-express.net

"Like red paint on a fire truck."

Naw. More like offering super expensive gourmet brie and a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot to a starving rat…

Leland R. Erickson
Metal Express
metal-express.net

"Not good for the rifles…"

Not good for ME! Those little bayonets are SHARP!

Leland R. Erickson
Metal Express
metal-express.net

Thanks for that information. Much appreciated!

Nice work on those Somuas!!