Tamiya 1/35 Char B1 Bis

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hello Everyone,

I completed this kit in the fall of 2014 but I am only getting around to posting it now. The kit is typical of Tamiya kits, easy-to-build, well detailed, perfect fit, and not time consuming. After building a few Dragon kits, I needed a break from the ridiculous part count and the Char B1 seemed a wise choice. Construction took only about a week or so and painting was fairly easy (Tamiya acrylics) as the Tamiya color references seemed pretty accurate after seeing a Char B1 in person. The kit it relatively pricey for a tank (especially for a 14 year old! ) but worth the price. Weathering took a while because it was my first time using enamel washes and pigments. Overall, I am pleased with the results. The Char B1 looks great on a display self next to a panzer ii or iii. This kit is a must have for those interested in early year tanks. Markings are of ‘Indochine’ from the Second Armored division in May 1940. This tank was lost, probably due to the crew destroying it after fuel starvation. I also built some Tamiya figures to go with it. The French infantry is an awesome figure set that looks great with the Char B1.

and with some infantry support… As always, feedback would be much appreciated! If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Sincerely, Dakota Gorder

2

Very nice, always loved this little tank :slight_smile:

3

Really well done. Good photos as well. Keep up the good work!

4

Hello!

Welcome to the forums, and yeah - it’s a nice model! Good luck with your builds and keep ‘em babies comin’! Have a nice day

Paweł

5

Sweet paint on that, Dakota. A real nice model to be sure!

6

Very nice work on the tank and the figures! I built the kit a few years back and it was an enjoyable build. Later looking though some books on French armour their crazy camo schemes make me want to build more.

7

it’s a great kit, I agree. I’ve built two of them. 3 suggestions for you:

  1. the tubular legs stowed atop the fenders were used in changing tracks. They were removable and would have been treated as tools – not painted to mirror the factory-applied camo scheme

  2. the commander’s holster: should be on his left hip or back. You have it crawling up his right chest. Simply not constructed to do so

  3. proximity of infantry to tanks: fine in your test photo. In reality, infantry steer far away from tanks when on foot. Very dangerous due to concussion from cannon fire, easy to be crushed, and draws immense enemy fire. Tankers have a nickname for foot soldiers: they call them “crunchies”