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About the Char B1 bis – WWII French Heavy Tank:

The Char B1 Bis French heavy tank represented the interwar impulse to develop tanks that were heavily armed and protected in order to bludgeon a gap in fortified defenses. In the Battle of France in 1940, the Char B1 Bis performed well in some fights with German tanks, but it was incapable of the mobility and speed needed to counter the German invasion.

Originally, the Char B1 Bis was developed as a self-propelled gun and carried a heavy 75mm howitzer in the hull. However, as the need for it to counter enemy tanks became apparent, the Char B1 Bis added a turret with a 47mm gun. Weighing nearly 30 tons, it carried thick steel plating capable of repelling most anti-tank weapons. Yet while the heavy armor allowed it to withstand German fire, its slow speed and mechanical issues hindered its effectiveness. The one-man turret hamstrung the anti-tank gun’s use, as the commander was responsible for loading, aiming, and firing the gun, alongside his duties to command his tank as well as others.

Despite these limitations, its firepower and resilience made it a formidable opponent, especially in engagements against lighter German tanks such as the Panzer I and II. Overwhelmed by the speed, coordination, and logistics of the German invasion, the Char B1 Bis nevertheless is an icon of early armored warfare, displaying both the promise and the limitation of early tank designs.

Model Statistics:

Designed by Andrea Boninsegna
629 LEGO® and Brickmania® elements
1x custom minifig
Custom printed elements
Full-color printed building instructions
1/35th scale to match other Brickmania kits
Intermediate Skill Level (4-6 years building experience recommended)

All Brickmania® model kits are made of new-condition LEGO® bricks. This model comes disassembled and includes complete printed building instructions. This is a limited-edition kit and production may be discontinued at any time.

This is not a LEGO® Product. LEGO and the LEGO minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this product. The LEGO Group is not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.