Char Schneider CA1

French Schneider CA1 Infantry Tank, 1:72 Reviresco HT-3.

In 1915, the French Schneider company purchased two American Holt crawler tractors. The 45 hp model (the “Baby Holt”), fitted with mock-up armour covering the engine and driver’s position was first demonstrated to General Petain. In 1916 a new vehicle based on the Holt tractor was designed. The front of the vehicle was shaped like a boat’s bow with a barbed-wire cutting beam attached to it. The rear of the vehicle contained two doors, allowing the crew to enter and exit. The engine was located at the left front, next to the driver. 90 rounds of ammunition for the main gun were carried.

Available Models

  • Char Schneider CA1 (up-armoured), 1:30 John Jenkins Designs GWF-01
  • Char Schneider CA1 (early), 1:35 Hobby Boss 83861
  • Char Schneider CA1 (2nd up-armour), 1:35 Hobby Boss 83862
  • Char Schneider CA1 (1916), 1:48 Gaso.line GAS50196K
  • Char Schneider CA1 (early), 1:72 RetroTracks 72018
  • Char Schneider CA1 (1st up-armour), 1:72 RetroTracks 72021
  • Char Schneider CA1 (2nd up-armour), 1:72 RetroTracks 72022
  • Char Schneider CA1 (early), 1:72 Wespe Models 72102
  • Char Schneider CA1 (1917), 1:72 BUM 5026
  • Char Schneider CA1 (1917), 1:72 Reviresco HT-3
  • Char Schneider CA1 (early), 1:87 Wespe Models 87133
  • Char Schneider CA1 (1st up-armour), 1:87 Wespe Models 87134
  • Char Schneider CA1 (2nd up-armour), 1:87 Wespe Models 87135
  • Char Schneider CA1 (1917), 1:87 World Tanks Depot 24
  • Char Schneider CA1, 15 mm Battlefront Miniatures GFR090

The Char Schneider, as it was called, first saw action on 16 April, 1917, at Chemin des Dames. Of a total of 132 Schneider tanks employed, 57 were destroyed, and many were damaged beyond repair. Many losses were due to exploding fuel tanks, which were located next to the hull MG positions. Other noticeable flaws involved inadequate armour, poor ventilation, and lack of egress on the left side. Later improvements included additional armour plating to protect the crew against German “K” type armour-piercing bullets of the Mauser Tank-Gewehr M1918, which penetrated 21 mm of armour at 100 m range. About 400 Schneider tanks were built, but the vehicle proved unsatisfactory, and it was to be replaced by tanks of British design, had the War not ended in 1918.

Technical Specification

  • Char d’Assaut Schneider CA1
  • Type: Infantry Tank / Assault Gun
  • Length: 6.32 m
  • Width: 2.05 m
  • Height: 2.30 m
  • Weight: 14.6 t
  • Armour: 11.5 mm maximum
  • Armament: 75 mm howitzer, 8 mm MG in each side of hull
  • Speed: 7.5 km/h on Roads
  • Range: 48 km

Historical Employment

  • French Army, Western Front 1917–1918

Possible Conversions

  • Unarmed supply carrier version
  • Char d’assaut Schneider CA2 with turret-mounted 47 mm gun; prototype only.

The Char Schneider is a valuable vehicle for collectors and wargamers interested in World War One. Tanks of the period had attractive camouflage patterns and markings that are easy to reproduce in miniature.

Patrick Storto

Miniatures of World War One