DeAgostini 1:43 French Char B1bis Heavy Tank, DATW15

Description: "In war there is no second prize for the runner-up." - General Omar Bradley The Char B1 had its origins in the concept of a Char de Bataille conceived by General Jean-Baptiste Eugene Estienne in the twenties. On January 27th, 1926, it was decided to build three prototypes of a Char B, based on four earlier experimental vehicles (a FAMH-model, the FCM 21, the SRA and the SRB). Finished in 1930 these prototypes were again extensively altered to meet changes in specifications, outlining the concept of a Char de Manoeuvre. Neither Char de Bataille nor Char de Manoeuvre are official type designations; they refer to the tactical concepts only. The "B" in Char B does not refer to Bataille. On April 6th, 1934 the first order was made for seven tanks of a Char B1. The "B1" refers to the fact that there were other simultaneous projects to develop improved types: the Char B2, B3 and B B. The Char B1 was manufactured by several firms: Renault (182), AMX (47), FCM (72), FAMH (70) and Schneider (32). Although it was the main producer, Renault had not exclusively designed the tank. Therefore the official name was not Renault B1 as often erroneously given. It was a very expensive tank to build: the per unit cost was about 1.5 million French francs. In France, at the time, two schools of thought collided: the first wanted to build very strong heavy tanks, the other a lot of cheap light tanks. Both sides managed to influence procurement policy to the end that not enough tanks were built of either category, to the exasperation of men like Colonel Charles de Gaulle who wanted to build more of the medium Char D2, with a third of the cost of the Char B1 bis, but armed with the same 47 mm gun. Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a French Char B-1 heavy tank that was nicknamed "Bourrasque" and fought during the Battle for France in May 1940. #DATW15 Dimensions: Width: 6-inches Length: 3-inches Features: - Diecast metal construction - Static tracks - Rotating turret and elevating gun - Authentic markings and insignia - Comes with stenciled base Please note: We happily combine multiple sales into one order to reduce shipping charges. Please contact us first to determine the cost of shipping before proceeding to final checkout so we can clarify the procedure with you.

Price: 49.99 USD

Location: Wesley Chapel, Florida

End Time: 2025-01-13T17:55:23.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD