The Char B1 bis was probabaly the most advanced tanik in service at the beginning of World War II.

It was superior to German tanks in many ways but it made little contribution of the Defence of France in 1940.

Development of the Char B began in the 1920s but the improved B1 and B1 bis didn’t begin entering service until the late 1930s.

Its features included what were at the time thick frontal armour and a powerful anti-tank gun.

However, it also had several faults that made it difficult to operate effectively including an ineffective one man turret.

It was also expensive and time consuming to make so there were only about 300 in service at the beginning of the Battle Of France in May and June 1940.

After the Germany victory many were put into service in the German Army as second line and training vehicles.

This model represents a Char B1 in about January 1940.

 Matchbox 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in January 2006.