Meng: 1/35 French FT-17 Light Tank (Cast Turret), Full Interior

During the early days of its service, the French FT-17 light tank was fitted with a riveted turret which had some disadvantages, such as complex manufacturing process, poor bullet-proof properties and failure to achieve a full rotation. Later, a new cast turret with riveted and welded construction was developed by Forges et aciéries Paul Girod. The new turret which was manufactured with a simplified process could achieve a full rotation, and it helped improve the tank’s overall performance.

The French FT-17 light tank with a cast turret could accommodate a crew of 2. It was armed with an 8mm Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun or a 37mm Puteaux SA18 gun. FT-17s of the French Army were upgraded with 7.5mm Reibel MAC Mle.31 machine gun from 1931 onwards. Those tanks were primarily used in the WWII.

Over 4100 FT-17s were built in France, and they were widely used in many countries around the world (27 countries confirmed). In the strict sense, the FT-17 was the first real tank in the world. It played a vital role in the history of tank development.

KIT INFO

This 1/35 scale French FT-17 Light Tank (Cast Turret) plastic model kit faithfully represents the structure and shape of the real vehicle. Rich and fine interiors are provided; precise details are included; the movable suspension system is molded perfectly, and the weight-bearing parts are sturdy; cement-free workable track links are easy to assemble; three weapon options and a precision PE fret are provided; four paint schemes for tanks during the period from WWI to WWII are provided.

Length: 142mm   Width: 51mm

This kit includes parts for the assembly of one plastic model kit. The set requires both glue and paint in order to be completed. Paints and glue are not included. For modelers aged 14 and older