Heller gives you options for H35 and H39. I used those parts on a Trumpeter kit to backdate it to H35.
If you choose that path, use the following:
vision blocks on the turet (i have no clue what Tamiya offers, but those with two holes, older ones, are for H35 and earlier turrets of H39, whereas vision blocks with horizontal slits are for H39)
commanders access hatch (for H35)
air intakes on drivers hatch and corresponding air intahe left from drivers side (cube ones for H35, round ones for H39)
engine covers for H35
exhaust pipe for H35
wheels from Heller are for H35, with rubber tires (H39 has steel rimmed ones)
I believe that sums up the parts count…
The H-35 also had a horizontal mounting plate for the spare wheel. Ther earlier style binocular vision blocks were fitted to early production vehicles, but by 1940 were being replaced by the slit type. This applies to both H-35s and to Renault R-35s.
I’m glad I found this thread. I’ve been interested in French armor since playing Squad Leader, Crescendo of Doom back in the late '80s. I bought the Heller kits a long time ago and I still have them packed away somewhere; really excited about the Tamiya kits of past several years. Waiting for several sets of 1940 Poilu to be released.
One variant that I’m thinking of building is the Italian H39s used against the Allied troops in Sicily.
They are from Panzer Abteilung 214, pictures taken in Norway. Star decals have markings for a Hotchkiss from this unit on the sheet “German tanks in Norway & Finland II” (35 - C1214)
