Meng TS-009 1/35 French Super Heavy Tank Char 2C
The Char 2C, also known as FCM 2C, is a French super-heavy tank developed, although never deployed, during World War I. It was, in physical dimensions, the largest operational tank ever made.
The Char 2C had a loaded weight of 69 tonnes, partly because of its armour – 45 mm at the front, 22 mm at the sides, but much of it just because of its huge size. The armour was among the thickest of World War I-era tanks, though by modern standards this would be considered thin. It is still easily the largest tank ever taken into production. With the tail fitted, the hull was over twelve metres long. Within its ample frame there was room for two fighting compartments. The forward compartment was crowned by a three-man turret (the first such in history) mounting a long 75 mm gun, and the second, at the rear of the tank, was topped by a machine gun turret. Both turrets had stroboscopic cupolas. The three independent 8 mm machine gun positions at the front gave protection against infantry assault.
The Char 2C is the only super-heavy tank ever to attain operational status — a super-heavy tank is not simply a tank that is very heavy but one that is much heavier than regular tanks of its period. The next operational tank to approach its weight would be the German Tiger II heavy tank of World War II.
The fighting compartments were connected by the engine room. Each track was powered by its own 200 or 250 hp engine, via an electrical transmission. Top speed was 15 km/h. Seven fuel tanks, containing 1,260 litres, gave it a range of 150 kilometres. The suspension contained 39 interleaving road wheels on each side, making for a total of 90 wheels on the tank.
To man the tank required a crew of twelve: driver, commander, gunner, loader, four machine gunners, mechanic, electrician, assistant-electrician/mechanic and a radio operator. Some sources report thirteen, probably due to pictures of the crews that included the company commander.
MENG Building Guidance Video For TS-009 1/35 French Super Heavy Tank Char 2C Model Kit Comes Online
In the early days of tanks, various strange tanks appeared in different countries. French super heavy tank Char 2C, a tank designed during WWI but didn’t see any combat, is one of them. MENG released the TS-009 1/35 French Super Heavy Tank Char 2C plastic model kits on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WWI. Now, MENG and Warfare in Scale team provide a building guidance video of this French monster for everyone. This video is presented by the Spanish modeler Jose Moral who chooses the first paint scheme: No. 93 “Alsace” of 51st BCC in France. There are not too many parts in this kit, so it’s easy and fast to build. Jose Moral emphasizes the painting and weathering of this tank. He explains techniques of making rust stains, water marks and dust. Finally, a worn, dusty and rusty Char 2C is finished. We want to express our gratitude to Warfare in Scale team including modeler Jose Moral for their hard work.
