Tamiya 35389 - 1:35 French Light Tank H39 Pz.Kpfw.38H 735(f)

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the French light tank H39 / Pz.Kpfw.38H 735(f)

The Hotchkiss H39 was one of the most numerous French light tanks of 1940 — agile, well armoured and armed with the long 37 mm SA38 gun. After the French campaign the Germans took hundreds of captured vehicles into their own units as the Pz.Kpfw.38H 735(f). Tamiya 35389 allows both to be built; the kit comes from new tooling released in December 2024.

The box includes a metal tow chain — French tanks carried chains rather than cables, so this is a detail characteristic of the design. Optional parts include two cupola types, vision blocks, an engine grille, idler wheels and an antenna base, as well as the tail skid. The two figures depict a full French tank crewman and a German tank crewman bust in the cupola.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and equipment
• Metal tow chain
• Long 37 mm SA38 L/33 barrel
• Link-and-length tracks
• Optional parts: two cupola types, vision blocks, engine grille, idler wheels, antenna base; tail skid
• Two figures: full French tank crewman and a German tank crewman bust in the cupola
• Decal sheet for two marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product number: 35389
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: approx. 138 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (link-and-length tracks, optional parts, multi-colour camouflage)

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This kit is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The model is small but rich in options — it is worth deciding which version you want to build before you start, as this determines the choice of cupola, vision blocks and other optional parts. We suggest fitting the metal tow chain towards the end of the build, after painting, using cyanoacrylate glue.

The French 1940 option calls for a two-tone camouflage, while the German 1945 vehicle wears a three-tone scheme over a Dunkelgelb base (e.g. Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow) with green and brown patches; the instructions give Tamiya paint codes for both. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a suitable final finish. A wash brings out the cast textures, while pigments reproduce dust and mud.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the metal chain
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Hotchkiss H39:

The H39 was a development of the H35 — it received a more powerful Hotchkiss engine of about 120 hp and the longer 37 mm SA38 gun, far more effective than the short SA18 used previously. Combat weight was around 12 tonnes, and the crew numbered only two, which placed a heavy burden on the commander.

In 1940 H39s served both with the armoured cavalry and with infantry tank battalions. Their armour was solid, but the two-man crew and the absence of radios in most vehicles made effective command in battle difficult.

After the fall of France the Germans took over hundreds of H39s and used them as the Pz.Kpfw.38H 735(f) — for occupation duties, training and anti-partisan operations, while some were rebuilt as self-propelled guns. Captured examples remained in service until the final months of the war.

Original vehicle specifications (Hotchkiss H39):

• Length: approx. 4.2 m
• Width: approx. 1.95 m
• Height: approx. 2.15 m
• Combat weight: approx. 12 t
• Crew: 2
• Main armament: 37 mm SA38 gun
• Secondary armament: coaxial 7.5 mm machine gun
• Engine: Hotchkiss, approx. 120 hp
• German service: captured vehicles as the Pz.Kpfw.38H 735(f) after 1940

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in timber and wooden models, and in 1960 it released its first injection-moulded plastic kit. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the scale as a worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise moulds and outstanding parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases and is one of the most comprehensive catalogues of 1:35 military vehicles anywhere. Alongside kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.