“PRE ORDER” KM Model – 1/35 French Somua ‘Coder’

The KM Model 35011 – French Somua “Coder” is an intriguing 1/35 scale model kit from KM Model, spotlighting a rare French military engineering vehicle prototype from 1939.

Key Features

• Scale & Manufacturer

• 1/35 scale kit by KM Model (catalog number KMM‑35011)
• Unique Subject
• Depicts the experimental Somua “Coder” bridge-laying vehicle, of which only a single prototype was ever built and tested in late‑1939.
• Kit Format
• Compact and efficiently engineered, the kit comprises approximately 30 parts, including a 3D-printed bridge element molded as a single piece.
• Bridge can be displayed mounted or in deployed position, granting configuration flexibility.
• Construction & Materials
• Utilizes 3D-printed components, particularly for large structural parts such as the bridge and superstructure, offering crisp detail and simplified assembly.
• Minimal cleanup required compared to resin casting; note that supports for 3D parts must be removed carefully.
• Historical Accuracy
• Reflects a little-known piece of French armored innovation, evaluated shortly before WWII. The single prototype featured plate‑steel construction and a manual bridge-deployment mechanism.

Historical Background

The Somua “Coder” emerged as a French attempt to field a dedicated armored bridge‑layer using the Somua S35 chassis. After completion in August 1939, it underwent trials through late 1939, but disappeared afterwards and never entered mass production. This kit allows modelers to reconstruct this elusive prototype from the brink of war.

Modeling Tips

• Be prepared for 3D-support cleanup, particularly on the bridge—a delicate task to preserve fine surface detail.

• Recommend washing 3D-printed parts before painting to ensure good primer and paint adhesion.

• Limited parts count means this kit is suitable for quick builds or as a centerpiece in a broader French armor diorama of 1939.

Summary

The KM Model 35011 French Somua “Coder” is a specialized kit offering historical novelty and unique modeling potential. With its rare subject, minimalist design, and alternate display options, it’s ideal for enthusiasts of obscure WWII French vehicles or experimental armoured engineering. While brief in plastic count, it delivers novelty and a distinct modeling challenge.