1/48 ’40 – French Hotchkiss Team

Historical Context & Theme

The 1/48 French Hotchkiss Team represents a three-man French infantry crew operating the Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun during the Battle of France in 1940. Despite facing rapidly advancing armored and motorized forces, French Hotchkiss teams held vital defensive positions across roads, bridges, farms, and forest lines. These crews delivered sustained fire meant to delay enemy advances and protect retreating units. The 1/48 French Hotchkiss Team captures the tense atmosphere of early-war engagements, highlighting a moment when French soldiers fought with determination despite overwhelming odds.

Figure Details & Realism

This 1/48 French Hotchkiss Team includes three resin figures: a gunner operating the Hotchkiss, a loader managing ammunition strips, and a support infantryman scanning the field. Uniforms include detailed M1935 tunics, Adrian helmets, ammo pouches, and equipment appropriate for 1940 infantry units. High-resolution resin printing ensures crisp folds, believable poses, and clean surfaces ideal for painters seeking expressive early-war subjects.

Diorama & Display Use

Designed for frontline or defensive scenes, the 1/48 French Hotchkiss Team fits trench lines, roadblocks, farm courtyards, forest positions, and village defenses. The three figures integrate naturally with French tanks, infantry on the march, or retreating columns, enriching Battle of France dioramas with strong narrative presence.

Material & Customization

Each figure in the 1/48 French Hotchkiss Team is cast in high-quality resin and requires assembly and painting. Uniform tones include khaki, horizon blue, and leather brown, while the Hotchkiss itself benefits from metallic and weathered finishes. Glue and paint are not included.

Who It’s For

Ideal for WWII modelers, painters, and diorama builders, the 1/48 French Hotchkiss Team adds historically accurate fire-support elements to any 1940 French Army display.