1:100 Vanatorul R35

Vanatorul R35 1:100 (Zebranomodel)

The kit captures the Romanian conversion of the French Renault R35 light tank in 1:100 scale. It is one of those vehicles you will practically never find in the ordinary range, and yet they fit well into a collection of the vehicles of states whose industry had to make do with modifying older material. The model is supplied as a kit, that is unassembled and unpainted.

The real subject

Romania had Renault R35 light tanks in service, whose original armament soon stopped being adequate against the armor of the day. The answer was a conversion in which the vehicles were given a gun of Soviet origin and a modified turret with a more open rear, so that the new weapon and its crew would fit into the cramped space. The result was an improvised but practically usable vehicle for destroying armor, which differs from the original R35 at first glance precisely in the silhouette of the turret and the longer barrel.

Building and painting tips

The barrel is the key feature of this vehicle, so take care that once glued it is exactly on the axis and level; a crooked barrel will spoil even an otherwise well-built model. Clean the castings, wash resin parts in lukewarm soapy water and glue them with super glue. The basis is a primer. Romanian vehicles as a rule carried single-color finishes, which at this scale plays in your favor: add depth with modulation of the shade, a thin wash in the pressings and a dry brush on the edges. Mild dustiness on the lower areas and on the running gear suits it as well.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of the vehicles of the smaller armies of the Second World War
• Anyone interested in improvised conversions and tank destroyers
• Modelers in 1:100 scale and tabletop gamers
• Builders who already have the basic R35 in their line-up

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.