The Schneider CA was the first French armoured fighting vehicle. They were quite primitive, cramped, uncomfortable and vulnerable to fight from, but they helped break the dominance of the machine gun in World War I

Planning for a French armoured fighting vehicle began in early 1915 and a prototype Schneider was demonstrated on 9 December 1915.

In February 1916 an order was placed for 400 Schneider tanks and the first one was delivered on 5 September that year.

They were developed around a Holt caterpillar tractor and the fighting compartment was very cramped and uncomfortable.

After early engagements a modified version was introduced with improved armour and fuel tanks moved from inside the hull to the vehicle’s rear.

The last of 400 Schneiders was delivered in August 1918.

This model represents a late version Schneider CA in 1918.

Retrokit 1/72 kit. Completed in May 2012.