Hi Experts,

I'm completing my build of the old Heller S-35, as a French vehicle during the Blitz camapign. Despite extensive research, I've been unable to find out much about the aerials used. The 'gaitered' aerial has two possible locations in armoured pots, front and rear: photos show the aerial mounted in either. I believe that these were mainly (?) used by commanders' vehicles, and were soon targeted by German forces as such. This meant they were frequently removed ( and stored within the vehicle? ) Has anyone any information on this? I've posted on other sites with no reponse to date.
Happy Modelling

Ken

Hi Ken
I'm no expert, but here's what I've found on another website : " Radios were planned to be part of the standard equipment of S35s. In practice the platoon commander had an ER (émetteur-récepteur) 29 set for communications at a higher level, but a shortage of the short range ER28 sets for communication within the platoon meant that the other four tanks were never fitted with any form of radio, although in some units all tanks had antennas: the programme to fit the sets themselves was postponed until the summer of 1940 and thus overtaken by events." So I think it is really up to you. I've noticed that in many period pics (like those you can find on Chars-français website ), there's no antenna visible at all.

HTH

Frenchy

Thanks, Frenchy, a little clarification here. Sounds terribly familiar - unpreparedness for war, and another angle on why Blitzkrieg was so successful: terrifying to be locked down in a tank with no idea what's going on. The bravery of those crews should not be underestimated.
Any other info on the original design thoughts for those aerial pots still appreciated. I agree photos show them mostly unoccupied

Ken