The Renault R40 was a version of the Renault R35 light infantry tank with an improved suspension system.

It replaced the R35 on production lines in May 1940 but only around 135 to 140 were manufactured.

Development of the Renault R40 began in 1937 to improve the problems experienced with the R35s suspension system that caused an uncomfortable ride and high track and tread wear.

After much experimentation a new suspension system was developed that could be retrofitted to existing R35s and it was introduced to the production run in May 1940.

At the same time a more powerful gun was added to give the tank a good anti-tank capacity.

The urgency created by the German invasion meant that the R40 was allocated to a number of units as replacements rather than fully equipping any units.

This model represents a Renault R40 in service with the 2nd armoured division of the infantry during the Battle of France.

Sparrow Casting 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in March 2010