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Item No:35389

1/35 Military Miniature Series No.389

1/35 FRENCH LIGHT TANK H39

Length: 138 mm. Image shows painted and assembled kit.

The H35 light tank was adopted by the French army for its cavalry units in the middle of the 1930s; the H35 would be the base for the H39 progression, which first appeared in 1939. Its rounded hull made extensive use of cast metal, and it was equipped with a 120hp engine and an L/33 37mm gun. Many had a trench tail to help them overcome enemy fortifications. The H39 was deployed as French forces struggled with the German invasion of 1940, and after the French capitulation, many were taken on by the German forces who made additions such as a commander's cupola in re-classifying it the Pz.Kpfw.38H 735(f).

About the Model
This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 138mm, width: 56mm. ★The compact, rounded form is captured in style based on extensive research. ★A slide molded depiction of the complex turret offers excellent detail and secure assembly. ★Assembly type tracks have one-piece straight sections. ★Parts are included for French and German variant-specific idler wheels, engine deck, cupola and antenna base. ★Comes with a full body French Army figure and a German Army torso figure. French and German vehicle marking options included.
  • The rounded form is captured accurately in 1/35 scale.
  • At 138mm this model is compact in size but bursting with accuracy and detail.
  • Designed to help the tank over enemy fortifications, the trench tail is accurately depicted, as are the spare road wheel and frame.
  • Take a closer look at the chain which is seen on the French Army variant of the tank.
  • A full body figure of a French Army soldier is included.
  • Choose whether to finish the model as a French or a German vehicle.
  • The H39 in German camouflage. It was active in fighting after the Allied Normandy landings.
  • A torso figure is included for a Wehrmacht commander to be placed in the cupola.
  • The L/33 37mm gun is accurately captured, with complex gun shield and breech. It offers elevation and traverse motion.
  • Marking options are included for French and German vehicles (one each). A color painting guide is also on hand to help with the application of complex camouflage schemes.
  • This comparison shows the cupola hatch used by the German forces, and also ports, which differed by production date.
  • Engine grille design was also different depending on when the tank was produced. The model features dedicated parts for each.
  • Note different parts for different idler wheel designs.
  • Suspension bogies enjoy an ergonomic parts breakdown. The German vehicle has reinforcing side plates.
  • A separately molded part is used for the German vehicle's antenna base.

Tamiya Colors required

Tamiya Color brush and airbrush paints (Lacquer paints)

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Tamiya Colors for brush and airbrush painting (Acrylic and Enamel paints)

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Useful finishing materials and tools

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Protecting your model from dust and dirt

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Information is current as of May 23, 2025. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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