Mengs new little french number shows off under her bonnet.....

MENG has given us another lovely release in 35th scale – this time the revolutionary-for-its-time French tank the FT or FT-17. This was a great innovation because of the 360 degree rotating turret with ammunition inside and the layout of the crew in front and the engine in the rear – something that has been followed by tank designers right through this century – now this little masterpiece is with us in plastic - let’s have a look at the model features in the built up tank from Meng in our preview…

Meng – 1/35^th scale French T-17 (Cast turret)

During the early days of its service, the French FT-17 light tank was fitted with a riveted turret which had some disadvantages, such as complex manufacturing process, poor bullet-proof properties and failure to achieve a full rotation. Later, a new cast turret with riveted and welded construction was developed by Forges et aciéries Paul Girod. The new turret which was manufactured with a simplified process could achieve a full rotation, and it helped improve the tank’s overall performance.

The French FT-17 light tank with a cast turret could accommodate a crew of 2. It was armed with an 8mm Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun or a 37mm Puteaux SA18 gun. FT-17s of the French Army were upgraded with 7.5mm Reibel MAC Mle.31 machine gun from 1931 onwards. Those tanks were primarily used in the WWII.

Over 4100 FT-17s were built in France, and they were widely used in many countries around the world (27 countries confirmed). In the strict sense, the FT-17 was the first real tank in the world. It played a vital role in the history of tank development.

KIT INFO

This 1/35 scale French FT-17 Light Tank (Cast Turret) plastic model kit faithfully represents the structure and shape of the real vehicle. Rich and fine interiors are provided; precise details are included; the movable suspension system is molded perfectly, and the weight-bearing parts are sturdy; cement-free workable track links are easy to assemble; three weapon options and a precision PE fret are provided; four paint schemes for tanks during the period from WWI to WWII are provided.

Length: 142mm   Width: 51mm

This Is The Precise Model Of The Earliest Modern Tank That Had The First Rotatable Turret. The Armour Surfaces Full Of Rivets Will Make You Remember The Old Times.

The Riveted Hull Is Replicated As Per Real Structure. The Cast Turret Looks Realistic.

There Are Rich Details On The Engine Deck. Rivets On All Armor Surfaces Are Replicated As Per Real Ones. 

Precise Running Gear Consists Of Metal Springs And Rods. It Truly Reproduces The Real Structure And Can Absorb Shocks.

Workable Cement-Free Tracks Are Easy To Assemble.

All Hatches Can Be Modelled Open To Present The Precision Interiors.

Cab Interiors Are Represented As Per Real Things. There Are Realistic Folds On The Seat.

The Amazing Power Pack (Incl. Engine And Transmission) Is Fully Replicated. 

This Kit Consists Of Yellow Plastic Sprues, A PE Fret, A Decal Sheet And Some Metal Parts.


This little tank is available thru MENG’s Distributors