Post by Keith Heitmann on Dec 18, 2006 1:26:04 GMT -5
Overall length: 192mm (Image shows assembled and painted model)
Defender of the Republic
In May 1940, B1 bis tanks stood in the way of German armies determined to strike a crushing against France on her own soil. Introduced as an upgraded version of the original Char B1, which was developed in the nineteen twenties, the B1 bis entered production in 1937. The rivet-joined hull mounted a short-barreled 75mm howitzer, while a small, one-man turret carried a longer-barreled 47mm tank gun. The B1 bis was one of the most heavily armored tanks of its time, with plating that was 60mm thick in places, more than capable of defending against anti-tank fire such as that from 37mm PAK guns. The B1 bis could more than hold its own against individual German tanks, and was greatly feared by enemy soldiers who encountered it.
About the Model
- 1/35 scale assembly model of the French B1 bis
- Realistically depicts tank's tall profile, 75mm gun and side armor panels covering suspension mechanisms
- Realistically depicts tank's tall profile, 75mm gun and side armor panels covering suspension mechanisms
- Newly-designed track parts require no cement to assemble and snap together easily by hand
- Commander's and driver's periscopes are moveable, as is the 75mm main gun
- Choice of two types of fenders and exhausts, combined with 4 sets of markings allows construction of each possible combination
- Includes realistic metal tow-chain, and 1 tank commander figure
- Comes with colorful painting guide and four types of marking decals
- Reverse side of painting guide features exciting article about the exploits of B1 bis tanks facing German Panzers
Click for larger image.
B1 bis tank at Stonne
On May 15, 1940, the German invasion of France was in its 5th day. This story takes place at the town of Stonne, in northeastern France, south of Sedan, and involves a clash between units of the Grossdeutschland Regiment and B1 bis tanks from the French 3rd Armored Division. Lieutenant Beck Broichisitter of the 14th Anti-Tank Battery, who was there that day, directly experienced the fierce French counterattack.
With enemy gunfire erupting from all sides, conditions in the German lines turned to chaos. Grenadiers from various companies had been left scattered and leaderless, with disabled and destroyed vehicles littering the area along the village street. Still the attack did not let up, and soon 6 B1 bis tanks, accompanied by numerous infantry, bore down on the German lines. Hurrying the 37mm anti-tank guns into position, commanders issued orders to fire, but the powerfully armored French tanks were very difficult to stop...
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