First To Fight 132 - Wrzesień 1939 - 1:72 Panzerkampfwagen 40R 736 (f) lub Renault R40 z armatą SA18 z ogonem

Plastic model kit of the Renault R40 / Panzerkampfwagen 40R 736(f) light tank in 1:72 scale

First To Fight 132 is a build-it-yourself model of the French Renault R40 light tank — an infantry support vehicle of the late 1930s that, after the French campaign of 1940, was captured in significant numbers by the Wehrmacht and operated under the German designation Panzerkampfwagen 40R 736(f). The kit reproduces the version with the short-barrelled Puteaux SA18 37 mm gun and the tail skid mounted at the rear of the hull, which helped the tank cross trenches and terrain obstacles.

The model follows the format of the "September 1939" series — simple in construction and approachable also for beginner modellers. The included decals and two colour schemes allow the vehicle to be built in French markings or in a German scheme from its occupation-era service.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts on sprues
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Historical information booklet about the vehicle
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 132
• Manufacturer: First To Fight
• Assembled length: approx. 56 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Thanks to the small number of parts and simple construction, the model is approachable even for those taking their first steps in the hobby. The parts are cut from the sprues, cleaned of sprue-gate marks and glued together according to the instructions. For the French R40, typical 1940 French camouflage colours are recommended (green, brown and ochre in a mottled scheme), while the German version calls for uniform Panzergrau. The instructions provide a painting suggestion for both variants.

Tools required:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes of various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out detail
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Renault R40:

The Renault R40 was a development of the popular French Renault R35 light tank, designed in the mid-1930s as an infantry support vehicle. Compared with its predecessor, the R40 received a new, improved running gear (AMX-type suspension) that enhanced its off-road performance. Some examples retained the short Puteaux SA18 37 mm gun known from earlier designs.

The tank was a typical infantry vehicle of its era: well armoured for its light class, but slow and armed with a gun of limited anti-tank capability. The two-man crew and single-man turret reduced its combat effectiveness against German armour.

After the French surrender in June 1940, a considerable number of captured R40s passed to the Wehrmacht, which used them under the designation Panzerkampfwagen 40R 736(f) for security, training and occupation duties across occupied Europe. The tail skid mounted at the rear of the hull, reproduced in this kit, helped the tank cross trenches and ditches.

Original specifications (Renault R40):

• Length: approx. 4.02 m (more with the tail skid)
• Width: approx. 1.87 m
• Height: approx. 2.13 m
• Combat weight: approx. 12 t
• Crew: 2 (commander/gunner, driver)
• Main armament: Puteaux SA18 37 mm gun
• Secondary armament: coaxial Reibel 7.5 mm machine gun
• Powerplant: Renault petrol engine, approx. 82 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 20 km/h
• Armour: up to 40 mm
• Production: from 1940

About the manufacturer – First To Fight:

First To Fight is a Polish model brand specialising in small, affordable models of military vehicles and equipment in 1:72 scale, with a particular focus on the 1939 Polish campaign and the early period of the Second World War. Models in the "September 1939" series are designed for easy assembly, which makes them popular with both beginners and collectors building large small-scale line-ups. A characteristic feature of the series is the historical information booklet included with each model, which adds broader context to the collection.