Pre-Order 1/35 1940 French Tank Crew “Bail Out” Set

Historical Context & Theme

The 1/35 1940 French Tank Crew “Bail Out” Set plunges modelers into the dramatic final moments of French armored crews during the Battle of France (May-June 1940). As German forces advanced with devastating Blitzkrieg tactics, French tankers often faced impossible choices when their vehicles were disabled by enemy fire or mechanical failure. This set captures that critical instant when crews abandoned their tanks – a moment charged with both desperation and determination that characterized the early days of WWII armored warfare.

The Battle of France marked a turning point in military history, where outdated French tactics clashed with Germany’s modern mechanized warfare. These figures represent the human side of that conflict, showing tankers in the midst of evacuation – a scene that played out repeatedly as French armored units struggled against overwhelming odds. The set beautifully encapsulates the tension and urgency of these historical moments, offering modelers a chance to recreate one of WWII’s most pivotal but often overlooked episodes.

Figure Details & Realism

This 1/35 scale 3D printed resin set by Dynamo Models features two highly detailed figures, each with two interchangeable heads (helmeted and bare), allowing for multiple display options. The figures wear authentic French armored corps uniforms, complete with leather tanker jackets, Adrian helmets, and period-accurate field equipment, all meticulously researched from historical references.

The dynamic poses tell a compelling story: one crewman climbs out of the tank hatch while his comrade assists or scans for threats. Every detail – from the folds in their jackets to the straps of their gear – is crisply rendered thanks to high-resolution 3D resin printing. The facial expressions convey the stress of combat, with tense features that bring these historical moments to life. The level of detail makes this set ideal for both display and diorama building, offering painters a superb canvas for their skills.

Particular attention has been paid to historical accuracy. The leather jackets show realistic wear patterns, while the equipment matches period photographs. The figures’ proportions and poses reflect actual tank crew movements, capturing the urgency of a bail-out scenario. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced modeler, these figures provide an excellent foundation for creating realistic WWII scenes.

The resin material allows for exceptionally fine details, from individual stitches on the jackets to the texture of the helmets. This quality makes the set perfect for close-up display or as part of larger dioramas.

Diorama & Display Use

Perfect for Battle of France or early WWII armor dioramas, this set pairs beautifully with French tanks like the Hotchkiss H35, Somua S35, or Char B1 bis. It can depict crews abandoning damaged vehicles, taking cover behind ruins, or interacting with infantry units – each scenario offering rich storytelling potential.

When combined with other 1940 French Army figures from Dynamo Models, it creates a cohesive historical scene. Imagine a disabled Char B1 bis with its crew spilling out, or tankers regrouping with infantry behind a farmhouse. The figures’ dynamic poses allow for multiple narrative possibilities, from desperate retreats to final stands.

For maximum impact, position the figures near a damaged tank model or amidst battlefield debris. Their expressive poses will draw the viewer’s eye and create a focal point for any WWII diorama.

Material & Customization

Printed in high-quality 3D resin, these figures require minimal cleanup before assembly. The material holds fine details exceptionally well, though glue and paint are not included.

Painters can bring these figures to life with authentic khaki or blue-gray tanker uniforms, adding weathering effects like dust, oil stains, or burn marks for extra realism. Consider using washes to highlight the deep folds in the leather jackets, or dry-brushing to emphasize the texture of the equipment. For advanced modelers, adding subtle battle damage or mud effects will enhance the diorama’s atmosphere.

The resin’s smooth surface takes paint beautifully, allowing for crisp uniform details and realistic flesh tones. Whether you prefer a clean, parade-ready look or a battle-worn appearance, these figures provide an excellent base for your painting skills.

Who It’s For

Ideal for WWII diorama artists, collectors, and historical miniature painters, this set offers a perfect blend of historical accuracy and dramatic action. It’s particularly suited for those interested in the French armored forces of 1940, providing an opportunity to explore this often-overlooked aspect of WWII history.

The set appeals to modelers of all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate the straightforward assembly and painting process, while advanced hobbyists can challenge themselves with complex weathering techniques. Collectors will value the historical accuracy and attention to detail that make these figures stand out.

More than just miniatures, this set represents a piece of military history – a snapshot of the brave French tankers who fought against overwhelming odds in 1940. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to add authenticity and drama to their WWII collection.