FRENCH LGHT TANK R35

I don't give away excellent ratings, and if it's a good product I'll say so. Average isn't bad, and average isn't good, and that is the rating I give the R35 French Light Tank by Tamiya. Most Tamiya models that I have put together at least have a section of them that is a zen and the art of modelling moment; a sweet spot of satisfaction, where all is right between you and the model. Not so much with this one. It went together okay, but it was more of a one-note part after part march than a delightful waltz. Particular problems of the model include loosely supported suspension pieces, and a no-fun link and length track. The good points are the easy to locate parts with no flash, pits, or problem pieces. The trickiest part of the model for me was trying to determine how to match the complex painting scheme, and when to apply it. A person definitely needs to wait on placing the shovels and such of step 13. But there are other details spread about in other steps that you should wait to apply until after the camouflage is finished. If you don't want to replicate the paint, then this is a straightforward quick build. But if you do want to copy the model, including applying the intricate design, it is much more time consuming and the instructions far less friendly. If you are just getting back into modelling, I would pick something else. This just isn't infused with artful engineering. If you want to grow as a hobbyist and the subject appeals to you (a French light tank is kind of cool), then this might be fine. My personal opinion, for what it is worth, is I would spend my precious model money on a different kit.