The French Char B1 bis has always been one of my favorite vehicles (In fact, the first armor model I ever built was the Matchbox 1/76 Char B1 bis). Obviously, I was very happy and excited when I heard that Tamiya was doing one in 1/35. There is no manufacturer I would have rather seen make this kit. I bought one as soon as it hit the shelves at the local hobby shop (which is really rare because I had paying retail prices for kits) and have a few more on the way to use with all of the AM stuff that is sure to follow. I started the kit the night I bought it (Thursday, June 8) and was mostly finished by the middle of the next week. Unfortunately, life got in the way of me finishing it within a week as I hoped, but I am ready for paint now after less than 3 weeks which is by far a record for me since I have discovered the joys/sorrows of AM goodies.
This kit is engineered so well that it is a bit scary. The parts fit like a dream and I couldn't find any errors with the kit. As always there are a few things that can be added, but Tamiya doesn't have anything wrong that I can see. They have obviously done their homework with this kit.
Here are a few overview shots of the completed model:
As you can see, I have added some cast texture to the turret, turret ring, commander's cupola, hull howitzer housing, driver's hatch, driver's area, and some texture to the exhaust to help simulate rust. The tracks are built and will be added after painting. The tools and their tie down straps will also be added after painting. I plan to replace the chain supplied with the kit with a chain that is a bit chunkier since photos show a really heavy chain in use.
Now here are some closeups of the extra details added.
I have never once had good luck with Tamiya decals so I decided to get some decals from Decalomaniacs and will be building tank number 206 "Madagascar."
If you see anything wrong or anything I missed, please let me know as I haven't started painting yet and won't start until this weekend.
Thanks for looking!
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