S-Model – SP072014 – R35 Light tank with FCM36 Turret

Description:

Background

The Renault R35 was a French light infantry tank introduced in the mid-1930s. It featured cast armor, a short-barreled 37 mm SA18 gun, and was designed primarily to support infantry formations. While well-armored for its time, the R35 was slow, had limited range, and its two-man crew—especially the overburdened commander—struggled to operate efficiently in combat.

The FCM 36, on the other hand, was a much rarer French light tank with only 100 units built. It featured fully welded sloped armor, a more modern design philosophy, and the same 37 mm gun. One of its most distinctive features was its unique hexagonal welded turret, which offered better internal space and armor deflection angles than many other French light tanks.

In some cases—whether by the French themselves before the armistice or later by the Germans or Vichy forces—FCM 36 turrets were mounted onto R35 hulls. These hybrids are not well-documented in official orders of battle and appear to have been ad hoc field conversions, workshop experiments, or solutions to turret shortages during repairs or refits.

The result was an R35 with a distinctive angular turret—a visually striking combination. Mechanically, the vehicles retained the limited performance of the R35 hull (slow speed, two-man crew, weak engine), but with slightly improved protection and possibly internal ergonomics depending on turret fitment. The main armament remained the same 37 mm SA18, so there was no significant firepower increase.

Variant of kit S-Model – PS720181 – R35 Light Tank Late Version or S-Model – PS720180 – R35 Light Tank Early Version with new parts for the different turret. Only one model included in the box.