Kagero Renault FT & M1917 PhotoSniper 3D (9788366148048)

[Mike]

Renault FT & M1917 PhotoSniper 3D (9788366148048)

Kagero via Casemate UK

 

 

The diminutive Renault tank that is often known somewhat incorrectly as the FT-17 was the first true tank of the form that we know today, having a separate turret that could rotate 360^o to fire in all directions.  It arrived late in WWI and was so successful that it was to stay in service in some locations for up to 25 years and even America was a customer, building their own under license as the M1917 until they could produce their own tanks of a sufficient standard.  With upgrades along the way it managed to take part in the early days of WWII in French service although it was hopelessly outclassed by even the early-war German tanks and fell to their guns with alarming regularity, with many being abandoned by their unfortunate crews.  In their usual "that's mine now" manner, the Nazis pressed the little tanks into service but away from the front lines as defensive vehicles for airfields, arms dumps and other high value targets of the Resistance.  The FT also saw service with a number of other countries and was copied by some others with greater or lesser divergence from the original.

 

 

This book is a thick tome from Kagero and is number 29 in their PhotoSniper 3D line.  It is 180 pages perfect bound into a card cover and is written by Jacek Szafrański and Samir Karmieh.  It is broken down into sections, as follows:

 

Introduction

A Brief history of the tank with photos of it in service with many of its operators.

Walkaround

A 65 page photographic description of both the FT-31 and FT-17 variants of the vehicle, all in colour.

3D Visualisation

The balance of the book is devoted to a huge quantity of computer generated images of the tank, including cross-sections and internal equipment such as engines, guns and suspension.

 

 

 

The photographs in the introductory section are mostly from interwar and WWII situations and are presented in high quality black and white with captions to match.  The walkaround section is based upon preserved examples in museums and of course the photographs are crisp and in full colour.  As with all museum vehicles, take care not to assume that everything is in the correct place, as sometimes museums get it wrong or go with what they have through expediency, however if using the photos as highly detailed supporting information you won't go far wrong.

 

 

Conclusion

A very useful book for anyone that has this model in their stash, whether it is the 1:35 Meng, 1:16 Takom kit, or one of the smaller scale renditions that have been around for some years.  The level of detail exposed is second to none, and will assist with building and detailing any kit of this ground-breaking tin can.

 

Highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of