Starting Early War French can feel intimidating at first. However, this Char B1 Army Deal is a legit fast lane.
It gives you tanks, infantry, and a rulebook in one hit. Moreover, it leans hard into the new plastic kits. So, if you want table time quickly, this box is doing work.
What’s in the Box and Why the Plastics Matter
You get an A5 rulebook, five Char B1s, three Somua S35s, and three Hotchkiss H35/H39s. You also get one infantry platoon, two decal sheets, and seven unit cards. Meanwhile, the three tank sprues cover your core armor options. The Hotchkiss can build with either the short or long 37mm gun. Additionally, the infantry sprue is all plastic and comes with extra teams. So, you also score an extra command team, two 81mm mortar teams, and two HMG teams.
Build One: Char B1 Tank Company as Your Armored Anvil
The Char B1 Tank Company formation starts with an HQ and 2 to 3 tank platoons. It can also add a fourth tank platoon as an optional slot. With the box contents plus a 75mm mle 1897 gun battery, you land a clean, playable force. You get four units for formation break, so it looks brittle on paper. However, Char B1 armor is nasty at FA6 SA4 TA2. Therefore, a lot of Early War guns just bounce.
The suggested mix pairs Char B1 platoons with Somua S35 support at FA4 SA3 TA1. It also adds Hotchkiss H39 late at FA3 SA3 TA1. Consequently, you cover a nice spread of AT7, AT6, and AT5. Then the 75mm battery brings AT9 to 20 inches plus a long artillery template. Finally, the infantry platoon anchors the other objective or rides shotgun for assaults. This version needs $179 total, which is FRAB03 plus the 75mm battery.
There’s also a tweak that trades a second Char B1 platoon for another Hotchkiss H39 late platoon. As a result, you keep the four unit break but widen your board coverage. Moreover, swapping the infantry type squeezes in an observer for the 75mm guns. That variant is listed at $234 with FRAB03, FRX09, and the 75mm battery.
Builds Two and Three: Motor Fusiliers or Panhard AMD for Combined Arms
If you prefer boots plus armor, the Motor Fusiliers Squadron is the combined arms route. It runs an HQ and 2 to 3 motor platoons, with optional HMGs, recon, AT guns, and mortars. The sample build uses most of the deal, adds Chasseurs, and still buys the 75mm battery. You end up with six units for formation break, which is sturdier. Meanwhile, recon H39s can spearhead in missions that allow it. Additionally, mortars give you a second template, which is huge for pinning. Finally, you still bring Char B1s and Somuas for the heavy lifting. The shopping list is $214: FRAB03, FRX13, and the 75mm battery. Also, the Furia Francese card boosts your commander to hit on 2+ in assaults.
For speed freaks, the Panhard AMD Recon Squadron is the spicy option. It is an HQ plus 2 to 4 Deep Recon platoons. The sample list uses most of the deal, adds two boxes of Panhards, and keeps the 75mm battery. Therefore, you spearhead hard and pressure flanks early. Their AT6 and FA2 bully light armor, so they punch above weight. That version is priced at $327: FRAB03, two FRX12, and the 75mm battery.
The alternative doubles down on stronger car platoons for resilience. Consequently, you bump to five units for formation break. However, you drop the artillery to afford the beefier recon. You still keep two tank units and a rifle platoon, so you are not toothless. Also, the Pierre Billotte card makes a Char B1 commander reroll failed hits and remount on 2+. That shopping list is $416 with FRAB03 and four FRX12.
Summary
In summary, this Char B1 Army Deal is a strong starter that plays fast and looks great. However, the real win is how cleanly it scales with just one or two add-on boxes. You can go full armor with Char B1s and 75mm guns, or pivot into Motor Fusiliers for templates and flexibility. Alternatively, you can embrace Panhards for spearhead pressure and mission play. Either way, you end up with a French force that can actually scrap, not just pose.
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