In 1917 a tank was built to the design of M. Boirault. It was built from two CA1s and was articulated. Tests were carried out but it did not prove a success and was abandoned. (source Les vehicles blindes Francais 1900 -1944). These is no photo that I can find - does anyone have any further info (like a drawing?)
Curiouser and curiouser - apparently M. Boirault proposed a similar scheme based on the St Chamond in 1918 - how far this got I don't know - there is an article in Steelmasters but I don't have this. BUT it didn't end there!
In 1937 the French government requested suggestions for innovative tank designs. M. Boirault's company proposed reviving the earlier WW1 design this time with three tanks coupled together in the following formation: 1st tank: - Main fighting compartment - flame thrower and tanks - machine-guns - electric motors for tracks 2nd tank: - additional fighting compartment - turret and gun - radio - electric motors for tracks 3rd tank: - additional fighting compartment - electric motors for tracks - internal combustion engine and accessories - generator for track motors
The French government didn't accept the suggestion.
This is a subject that interests me very much, I have done some research on the subject of Mr. M. Boirault, but with little results, except for the Véhicule de anti barbelé (Anti-barbed wire Vehicle) unfortunately, other than this vehicle, there is little to be found. What I have ran across was a very poor drawing, that I reproduced, per the original, of the 2 Schneider’s hooked together, as well as a crude drawing of his last design you mentioned in you last post. The articulation system looks the same, maybe he just rehashed his ideas for the Schneider’s, and just envisioned the system larger, with the Schneider’s as the base, or maybe a completely different design based on a Schneider chassis.
I'm fascinated by the idea in Les vehicles blindes Francais 1900 -1944 that the twin Schnieder actually got built. I'd like to get a better idea of that joint that looks like a gigantic ball and socket.
Do we have any French readers of the Forum out there who might know where to look.