RPM:s 1/72 FT-17 TSF Radio Tank

The French FT-17 was by far the best Tank coming out of WW1, and it also spawned numerous variants. One of them was the Char Renault TSF, a radio cum command tank, where the turret had been replaced by a boxlike superstructure, housing radio equipment, and sporting a radio antenna. For more info on the Char TSF, click here!

The Polish Company of RPM has issued a long line of FT-17, and now the time has come for them to do the TSF as well. (They actually market two TSF kits: the other one is the US version: the difference between these two kits is very small. The US version sports the special US body, with it's detail differences. And other decals. That's all.) 

This kit of course follows the pattern from the other kits in the series. Most of the sprues and parts are standard, common to all kits. Nothing to argue about that, really. Then there comes some special parts, which is used to build the special box-like superstructure and the antenna array. (Click here to see an excerpt from the plans.) The hatches can be glued in a open position, which is of course fine. The kit also comes with some internal detail in the form of two radios! Decals comes for five different tanks, including one Spanish, used in the war in Marocco during the mid-20-ies. (Click here to see the excellent painting guide and decals.)

There isn't much to add to that I have said previously of these new kits: they ARE nice, and I think its excellent that RPM issues the TSF version as well. But they do have some rather big problems. Firstly an overly complex suspension: even the small trailing wheels at the top of the suspension comes as separate items, each divided into two parts, that you will have to glue together. Secondly, a rather poor fit of some parts. Thirdly the tracks, which I think are too thick and rubbery and a general nuisance. (For a more comprehensive review of RPM:s FT-17 kits, discussing the problems in more detail, click here!)

The final verdict: few kits have left me with a reaction so schizofrenic. On one hand: the level of detail is absolutely FABULOUS! Everything is here. Nothing is missing. On the other hand: it is a HORRIBLY complicated build. After you tried one, it takes a lot of resolve to do another one. I guess that this will be kit more admired in the box than actually put together.

But I also have to add, that something I spotted before on other kits, also applies to this one: some of the detail is getting to be a little soft compared to the first kits. Is this due to wear of the mold, I wonder?

PS. There is a slightly funny error in the box art. The guy in the turret is talking in a telephone, using voice radio, which was a pretty tough thing to do in a TSF, as the Radio it used was of the telegraph kind...