Introduction

1/35 Somua S35

Tamiya 35344

Excludes all glues, paints and tools necessary to assemble.

The SOMUA S35 was a French Cavalry tank of the Second World War. It was manufactured from 1936 until 1940 to equip armoured divisions of the Cavalry. For its day it was a relatively agile medium-weight tank, superior in armour and armament to both its French and foreign competitors, such as the contemporary versions of the German Panzerkampfwagen III. It was constructed from well-sloped, mainly cast, armour sections, which however made it expensive to produce and time-consuming to maintain.

While not given a chance to show its full effectiveness during the Battle of France in 1940, the SOMUA showed up strongly in a number of battles with German forces and indeed was used by German forces after the French defeat and even by the Allies after the liberation of France in 1944. It was among the first French tanks developed for use as a cavalry tank, as opposed to the previous infantry roles the tank was largely restricted to under French military doctrine. A cast metal body with armour up to 56mm thick gave excellent protection from German guns, and offensively it could rely on a powerful 47mm gun that repeatedly tore through German tanks. All in all, some 430 SOMUA S35s were produced.

Specification and Features

• Scale: 1/35
• Length:153mm, Width: 63mm.
• Extensive measurement of a real SOMUA S35 led to this highly accurate recreation of the rounded cast metal hull and turret.
• Features realistic depictions of cast metal surfaces.
• The intuitive layout of the parts efficiently captures the bogey suspension and side armor plates with great success.
• Link-type assembly tracks provide excellent realism.
• Comes with a commander figure to be positioned in the turret, plus 3 marking options and color camouflage pattern reference illustrations.
• Take some time to appreciate the authentic recreation of the S35 bogey suspension and side armor plates
• Link-type assembly tracks make for fuss-free assembly and great accuracy. Links are pre-removed from sprue.
• The kit includes a realistic commander figure surveying the scene before him, from the turret rear hatch.
• Your eyes will be drawn to the excellent scale reproduction of turret and cupola.
• The recreation of cast metal surface textures such as on the hull and turret adds an extra layer of detail.
• The waterproof cover is created using three parts. Tow chains are depicted using metal parts.
• Marvel at the precise rendering of the area surrounding the engine, including grille and exhaust pipes.
• Make sure that your model of the SOMUA S35 looks the part by attaching the variety of included accessories.