Char B1(bis) Beutepanzer

[Fitz]

One of the many conversions of French vehicles, this one was (I think) designated LeFH-18 auf GW B2. It was basically a 105mm howitzer in a hexagonal steel box on top of a Char B1(bis) chassis, with a few other adjustments like the removal of the hull 75mm and improvements to the driver's sight.

I was going to add some crewmen to this 15mm 3d print, but there's just not room for them in the fighting compartment, so it can go without.

These conversions started out being painted overall panzergrau, then went to overall dunkelgelb. I don't know if there's any direct photographic evidence of them being painted in the three-colour scheme, but I think it likely, and besides, I like it better.

[has.been]

Now you don't see one of them every day.
Very nice.

[fred]

Not seen one of those before!

The ‘turret’ looks far too small for the gun

[modelwarrior]

Excellent job and very rare indeed. Im sure the Germans had some of these in Italy but not 100% sure ?

[Elbows]

Not seen one of those before!

The ‘turret’ looks far too small for the gun

I think that's mainly an issue of gaming piece vs. reality.  In the real one the gun would be 10% thinner and the turret walls would be 40% thinner, etc.  Probably just enough to squeeze in to load and shoot the thing. Also proportions could simply be a bit off.  A lot of those conversions were awfully tight.

[meyer]

A very interesting version and a beautiful paintjob!

I just read that only 16 of these vehicles were in use. Yes, a very rare tank!

[Fitz]

So, here's the Char B1(bis) Flammpanzer in all its panzer-grey glory.

This version of the flamethrower tank is perhaps a little less flexible on the wargaming table than the earlier version, because the big boxy flamethrower fuel tank on the back makes it very obvious what it is, so I can't as easily sneak one into a game pretending to be a gun tank.

[Ceeteegee]

Two very nice models there. Great camo and very nice Panzer Grey. Not an easy colour to get right IMHO.

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Very nice.

The three colour scheme looks good but the grey looks brutal. Not sure which looks best.