Char B1.bis Battle Tank
Matchbox 1:76 Scale Vehicle Review
The Matchbox 1:76 scale Char B1.bis can be painted in a variety of attractive French army camouflage schemes. It also features unusual tactical markings in playing card suits: Pique/Spades, Cœur/Hearts, Carreau/Diamonds, or Trèfle/Clubs for the first to fourth platoon of a tank company. The companies were distinguished by the colours of the tricolore, namely blue, white, and red for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd company of a battalion.
Contents
- Char de Bataille B1.bis
- Char léger Renault FT
- French Tank Commander
- French Infantryman, marching (3)
- Diorama Base: ruined House with Garden Wall
Evaluation
Excellent choice of subject, the Char B1.bis is unique in this scale, it is a very important and versatile vehicle model.
Scale model with much raised detail. Approximately 5 % smaller than a similar model in 1:72 scale. For many years, this was not a serious issue, because the Matchbox Char B1 was the only one of this type on the market.
Intermediate level of difficulty. Track assembly is easier than on most other tank models.
Choice of closed or open turret hatch, with the vehicle commander practically sitting outside of the vehicle!
High quality kit. Parts fit very well and there is minimal flash.
Compatible with Airfix, Fujimi, Nitto, and VAC-U-CAST.
There is a Renault FT light tank included in the set. Not a necessary or very practical combination. The Renault FT is an important vehicle, but it did not serve in the same formation with Char B1.bis tanks. An H35 or H39 Hotchkiss light tank would have been much better, allowing the wargamer to raise the two armoured brigades of a Division Cuirassée.
Matchbox deserves praise for this excellent model of an important vehicle. French tanks and artillery tractors sported a variety of attractive camouflage patterns which can be recreated in miniature. Even after they were captured, the French camouflage patterns were maintained. It is to be hoped that Panhard armoured cars, Somua and Hotchkiss tanks will become available in this scale as well.
The Char B1.bis is a must-have for wargamers and diorama builders interested in recreating the 1940 campaign in France.