France 1940

[panzerman]

This is the old Matchbox kit of the Char B1 bis and the Renault Ft-17 tanks.


Char B1 bis: Replaced molded lower suspension with separate road wheel. Handles and latches added to side hull. Front vision block made more accurate. Added lift hooks and drilled out barrel on turret. Rear tow chain mounts and chains added. Kit antenna replaced with wire one. Stowage added.


Renault Ft-17: Lower suspension arm joint blanked over with styrene and mounts and housings added. Missing tank tools and storage boxes added to hull sides. Handles added to front hull. Rear turret hatch cut open and doors fashioned. Tank commander converted from spares. Stowage and tow chains added.


Ruined kit decals replaced with ones from Aleran Miniatures. Super thin and applied beautifully.


Kit base was given extra details. Static grass added and twigs positioned behind the wall. Sign post, crate, paint pot, and wagon wheel added. 3 Infantrymen provided. 2 were identical, so one was converted for variety.


Decals on the Char B1 bis are from Peddinghaus.


The tanks, figures, and base were painted with Vallejo acrylics.


Patriotic slogans added to country wall with a fine black marker.


Hidden side of Char B1 bis. Camouflage pattern copied from reference.


Hidden side of Renault Ft-17. Paint scheme from reference.

Thanks for viewing. It's an honor posting my humble efforts here on this excellent forum.
Bill.

[Rosbif]

Superb!

Don't know much about the details of the period, but it looks perfect.

Fortunately, they don't know what's in store for them or their country!

[armpcm]

Amazing job in this pearl of Matchbox the time you spent improving the models has payed off.

The painting is superb keep up the good job and keep us updated on more.

[Kekso]

That scene is very nice and it is really good painted.

[vellek]

Fantastic work on this dio!

[santifernandez]

Nice dio.
Santi.

[MABO]

Nice to see the great old set in such a fine painting version. I have them assembled but unpainted in the house of my parents...

[Arekmaximus]

Wow!

[ADM]

Very nice scene ! congratulation for this work !

[Beano Boy]

Very Good to see all this put together Bill. Splendid Job! Yes Indeed!
What did the Germans do with the captured ones? BB



They up gunned it, and turned it into_______________________





_______________The FCM 36 PAK 40

[Ochoin]

Really evocative diorama.

donald

[dutchboyinohio]

Nice work on this oldie but goodie. You've got a very unique style when it comes to building and painting, and it works really well in small scale.

I've always been a fan of these Matchbox kits and have most of them myself.

[Bramble15]

Panzerman strikes again! Love it. This may be one of my favorite scenes you have put forth. Not that the others are lacking, but this is just so compact and super detailed. TO my eye every little detail is achieved and achieved well. You once gave me your technique for brush painting your vehicles, is that on display here? If so kudos to you.

[panzerman]

I'm honored by all of your super nice comments. Thank you. I like Taki g older kits and do my best to improve them. Lots of fun.
Bill.

[Panzer_Grenadire]

Really stiking realization Bill and outstanding attention and achievement of all small details.... Congrats for another masterpiece....

[Peter]

This is one of the sets I'm missing. You did a stunning job on this kit and the conversions are fantastic!

[panzerman]

Thanks fellows. I enjoyed the support and feedback. Greatly appreciated.
Bill.

[despertaferro]

Very nice!