Can anyone recommend any good references for the French Char B1 bis? It doesn't necessarily have to be devoted just to this tank. I'm open to any good WWII French armor references that give adequate treatment to the Char B1 bis. I'm getting ready to build my Tamiya Char B1 bis for the Blitzkrieg campaign and noticed my reference library is a bit skimpy when it comes to French tanks.

General reference books on the on the Char B1 bis are hard to find, but here are the 3 best to date:

* Histoire&Collections "Char B au Combat" - French language, great general reference photos and color scheme ideas
* Trackstory #3 - Chars B1, B1 bis, B1 ter - English and French language. Tells the history and gives a good visual account and useful for correct unit markings and tank names (all Char B1 tanks carried an individual name and number). Includes 4-view plans in 1/35 & 1/72 scales.
* MODEL ART - Char B1 bis - Japanese with English translations and captions. (Uses much of the historical text and same plans as the Trackstory book). Walk around style book of 3 surviving museum examples, including German version. Best single source to correct the kit from, shows every nook and cranny. I think there is a good website out there that covers a lot of the same museum examples, (maybe somebody has the link).

I also recommend the Blast Models resin update sets and the Aber or Voyager PE set. Friul makes a nice, but very tedious, track set that corrects the overly thick kit tracks--if you are looking to go to town on it.

HTH and good luck with it.

Mike

Scott: you're gonna enjoy building it. I finished mine for the 07 AMPS contest last April. I had a blast -- I detailed and corrected some things but didn't go too overboard. I chose one of the earlier production Renault schemes. Mike is right to list the Histoire et Collections book. It's great for inspiration.

If you want tweaks, you can look at my build:
http://www.planetarmor.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2367

I didn't use any aftermarket kits -- just modified the kit itself. Feel free to contact me offsite if you need any clarification.

RC

The ModelArt book is indeed great but they tend to cram as many pictures as possible onto a page. When I use it, I'll have to use a magnifying glass or scan the pictures into the PC so I can see them larger.

Just to complete the previous posts, you'll find interesting reference stuff online as well, providing you can read French
On http://www.chars-francais.net :
B1Bis listing
B1Bis markings
B1Bis camo schemes

Tamiya kit detailing

Some walkaround pics on MaquetteGarden and on Military-kits (several pages there)

7 downloadable photo files (in .ZIP format) on http://www.maquetland.com/v2/index.php?page=photos&c=char" TARGET="_blank">Maquetland.com (click on "article" to read the corresponding articles with English text)

HTH
Frenchy

Awesome, thank you gentlemen, going to do some online shopping now.

Thanks again for the recommendations.

The Model Art book and Histoire & Collections "Char B au Combat" are on their way, should be here early next week.

Hey Mike, this book was waiting for me on the doorstep when I got home. It is excellent and exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for! Thanks for the recommendation!

Scott,
I based a sheet of decals on the Trackstory book. You can see them at: Char B1 bis decals and 3rd DCR. Hope that helps.
Regards,
Georg Eyerman
Decalcomaniacs!

hey Scott,

I built Heller's Somua S-35 for the Blitz campaign,and rely on a book by Squadron/Signal.titled Blitzkrieg,nice info on the vehicles used,but not overpowering.good pics and color plates,and quite inexpensive!!



Joe

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/1820

Already let Scott know about this one, but some may not have seen it before

http://www.military-kits.com/sections.php?op=printpage&artid=92

There are also a few articles in the re-vamped Histoire de Guerre magazine.

David

Man, Histoire & Collections "Char B au Combat" is a great book, I just wish I knew French! My daughter knows a little and can hopefully help me with some of the translation of the captions.

The pictures and profiles are awesome. That alone is a huge addition to my reference library.