New Tank Unveiled at the 2006 Paris Hobby Show

from Steve Zaloga
 

Description

I managed to time a photo/research trip over to France with the opening of the Salon de Maquette in Paris starting on 13 April 2006. This is a very large commercial model show that covers everything from scale models to railroads to RC.

The French distributors for the large scale model companies have exhibits as well as vendors, and Tamiya decided to use the show to unveil its Char B1 bis in 1/35th scale. Two models were displayed showing some of the marking options. The track is unusual for Tamiya in that it is individual link or link and length. The kit includes a tank commander figure and even some chain. The box art was not on display, so I suspect that the kit is basically done short of the packaging and that we will see it on the shelf in a few months.

Other notables included Italeri's Sahariana and AB.43 armored cars, though unfortunately my Sahariana photos did not come out. ADV Azimut showed a built up Bronco Comet, an AFV Club Centurion hull, and a partial AFV Club M40 155mm GMC hull. The Bronco Comet was already out in the shops in Paris on Wednesday 12 April.

Photos: Tamiya Char B1 bis; Bronco Comet; AFV Club Centurion hull; AFV Club M4 hull; Italeri AB.43 armored car.

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