Caterpillar Lorraine 38L VBCP
GAS50111

Complete kit of the Lorraine 38L VBCP tankette in 1/48th scale

The kit contains:

• Resin parts
• A decal sheet
• A brass photo-etched board
• Assembly instructions with parts list and color photos: Download instructions

You can also contact us to have this model assembled and painted with the camouflage of your choice.

Click here for availability and price.

History of the Lorraine 38L VBCP tankette

The development of the prototype and the development of the Lorraine armored tractor were carried out by the Dietrich & Cie establishments in Lunéville in 1935, in addition to the Renault UE tankette. Production ended in mid-1940. Very simple in design, this 6-ton tracked vehicle had three compartments. At the front, the two crewmen took their places.

  In the middle was the Delahaye Type 135 engine with 6 cylinders in line, 3500 cm3 displacement and 70 horsepower. At the rear, the cargo compartment offered 800 kg of payload. The Lorraine 37 L in its role as a support vehicle on the battlefield resupplied the tanks with ammunition or fuel, using a tracked tank trailer. An evolution for the transport of soldiers: the 38 L VBCP – Armored Car of Carried Hunters – had a rear castle accommodating 4 infantrymen and towed a tracked trailer carrying 6 other men.

After the armistice of June 1940, more than 300 37 L armored tractors fell into the hands of German troops. The Lorraine 37 L continued its use as a utility vehicle carrying munitions. Around forty VBCPs were converted into observation Lorraine: “Beobachtungswagen”.