Tamiya 35373 – 1/35 French Light Tank R35

Historical Context & Theme

The French Light Tank R35 was one of the most widely produced armored vehicles of the French Army at the outbreak of World War II. Designed in the mid-1930s to support infantry units, the Renault R35 embodied French interwar armored doctrine, which emphasized protection and infantry cooperation over speed. When Germany invaded France in May 1940, the R35 formed the backbone of many French armored battalions, fighting in Belgium, northern France, and during the desperate defensive battles of the Battle of France.

The R35 featured thick cast armor for its size, offering good protection against small arms and early anti-tank weapons. However, its limited speed and one-man turret placed heavy demands on the commander, who had to observe, aim, load, and fire the main gun alone. Despite these limitations, French tank crews fought with determination, often engaging German forces at close range in villages, forests, and defensive positions.

After the fall of France, many captured R35 tanks were reused by the Wehrmacht for occupation duties, training, and security roles, extending the operational history of the vehicle well beyond 1940. This dual-service career makes the R35 a compelling subject for modelers interested in both early-war French forces and German use of captured equipment.

The Tamiya 35373 French Light Tank R35 allows builders to recreate this important vehicle with accuracy and clarity, making it a cornerstone subject for any early WWII Western Front collection.

Vehicle Details & Realism

The Tamiya 1/35 French Light Tank R35 kit is renowned for its precision engineering, clean molding, and faithful representation of the real vehicle. The model accurately reproduces the R35’s distinctive rounded cast hull and compact proportions.

Key details include:

Accurate cast armor shapes and surface texture
Correct turret form with realistic hatches and vision ports
Well-proportioned suspension and running gear
Crisp detailing on tools, exhaust, and external fittings
Faithful reproduction of the short-barreled 37mm gun
Clean part breakdown for smooth assembly

Tamiya’s engineering ensures excellent fit and alignment, making the kit accessible to intermediate builders while still offering a solid base for advanced detailing and weathering.

Diorama & Display Use

The French Light Tank R35 is extremely versatile in diorama settings and fits naturally into many early WWII scenes.

Typical diorama uses include:

Battle of France 1940 village or roadside scenes
Infantry support moments with French troops advancing or defending
Urban fighting or checkpoint settings
Captured vehicle scenes under German control
Maintenance or refueling vignettes
Training or rear-area occupation displays

The compact size of the R35 makes it ideal for smaller dioramas, while its historical significance allows it to anchor larger narrative scenes focused on the collapse of France in 1940.

Material & Customization

This is a high-quality injection-molded plastic kit designed for straightforward construction and customization.

Customization possibilities include:

French three-tone camouflage schemes
German captured-vehicle markings
Heavy weathering to reflect combat wear
Dust, mud, and chipped paint effects
Addition of stowage, tarps, or spare equipment
Pairing with French or German tank crew figures

The kit is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue and paint are required and not included.

Who It’s For

This model is ideal for:

WWII armor enthusiasts
Modelers interested in early-war French vehicles
Diorama builders recreating the Battle of France
Collectors of iconic interwar tank designs
Hobbyists seeking a historically important yet manageable project

The R35 offers both historical depth and visual character, making it appealing to a wide range of modelers.