French Light Tank H39
Tamiya, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Background

The Hotchkiss H35 or Char léger modèle 1935 H was a French cavalry tank developed prior to World War II. Despite having been designed from 1933 as a rather slow but well-armoured light infantry support tank, the type was initially rejected by the French Infantry because steering proved difficult during cross-country use, and was instead adopted in 1936 by the French Cavalry arm.

From 1938 an improved version was produced with a more powerful engine, the Char léger modèle 1935 H modifié 39, which from 1940 was also fitted with a longer, more powerful 37 mm gun. It was intended to make this improved variant the standard light tank, with at least four thousand produced to equip new armoured divisions of both the Cavalry and the Infantry arms, but due to the defeat of France in June 1940, total production of both subtypes was limited to about 1,200 vehicles.

For the remainder of the war Germany and its allies used captured Hotchkiss tanks in several modifications.*

* History courtesy of Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_H35#Hotchkiss_H39

In the Box

Tamiya continues to prove its commitment to WWII French tanks and related vehicles with their new Hotchkiss H39. Let's take a look at their 1/35 scale French WWII lineup to date:

• Item 35282 - 1:35 French Battle Tank B1 bis released in 2006. Two subsequent reboxings.

• Item 35284 - 1:35 French Armored Carrier UE 2 with Renault UK trailer released in 2007

• Item 35301 - 1:35 Citroën Traction 11CV Staff Car released in 2009

• Item 35344 - 1:35 French Medium Tank Somua S35 released in 2015

• Item 35373 - 1:35 French Light Tank R35 released in 2020

I have built all of these kits with the exception of the carrier, and they were all a delight to work on.

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Tamiya's 1:35 scale French Light Tank H39 is an all new kit. It comprises 239 parts in tan coloured plastic, a length of chain and four polythene caps.

The model may be finished as a French Army version, or the captured and modified Pz.Kpfw.38H 735(f) tank in German service.

Surface detail is excellent. The cast texture is well done - subtle yet still noticeable from most angles.

The lower hull is presented in "flat pack" format with separate sides, front, rear and hull bottom parts. A positive bulkhead is fitted inside the lower hull to ensure that everything is nicely aligned.

The running gear is based on six bogie trucks made up from seven pieces each.

The tracks are Tamiya's typical link and length.

These are moulded with sag between the return rollers on the top run, a straight length for the bottom run, individual links to run around the drive sprocket and idler wheel and several short lengths to bridge the gaps.

The upper hull is made up from a main casting and separate track guards.

Hull hatches are separate parts but there is no interior detail inside the hull or on the inner parts of the hatches. The instructions tell us to glue these shut and I concur.

Alternative parts are included for the French and German versions of the tank. These include antenna base, right side engine hatch, one pair of the bogie trucks, the cupola, top and side hatches and crew figures.

The trench skid is the most intricate assembly of the kit. It is made up from 15 parts and built up in layers. Take your time and test-fit before committing to glue.

A chunky metal tow chain is supplied for the right side of the tank.

The turret is supplied as a main upper casting and a base. The rear hatch may be posed open or closed, and the small dome turret may be left free to rotate.

I found the gun to be a bit fiddly to assemble. It can elevate and depress thanks to the use of polythene caps.

The large rear hatch may be posed open or closed. Interior detail is moulded onto this hatch and you might catch glimpses of the cannon breech inside the turret too.

A very nicely sculpted nine-piece French Commander figure is included. He is standing outside the tank.

A two-piece German Commander bust is also included. He will be fitted inside the turret peeking nervously over the rim of his cupola. The mount is moulded to the figure's torso.

Markings are offered for two machines, one French and one German.

The Tamiya decals look good on the sheet with perfect registration and colour.

Conclusion

I have already finishing building Tamiya's new 1/35 scale Hotchkiss H39 and it was everything I would expect from a new Tamiya kit. Assembly was fast, easy and enjoyable.

The link and length tracks offer detail and precision. They are some of the best that I have used.

Tamiya has also captured the distinctive lines of the Hotchkiss H39, and it is nice that they have offered us the choice between French and German versions, including each type's unique parts.

Highly Recommended

Purchased by reviewer

Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net