In our preview, we look at the new kit without all the guts..
Preview : MiniArt’s 35th scale M3 Light tank – no interior but with six marking choices from around the globe!
M3 Stuart Early Production
From MiniArt
1/35th scaleModels
Kit No #35412
for six options in the box
DecalsPhoto-etch included
The M3 Stuart Light tank:0100 We look at the new kit without all the guts in our preview..
.jpg)
M3 Stuart Early Production
From MiniArt
.webp)
1/35th scale
.webp)
Kit No #35412
for six options in the box
Photo-etch included
.webp)
The M3 Stuart Light tank:
.webp)
The US Army began development of a light tank in the early 1930s. The M3 series, which was launched in July 1940 after a succession of tanks with increasing armor and firing power, is the culmination of a long line that began as early as 1930. The British found the M3 to be under-gunned, but were so pleased with its mechanical performance that they nicknamed it “Honey.” These photos show an Free French Stuart from 1942 that was stationed at Kano, Nigeria. The M3 was used by American forces in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded in December 1941. Improvements were made to the M3A1 which went into production in May of 1942. These included a gyro stabiliser for the main 37mm gun, and power traverses for the turret. This was the first American tank to include such features. It is the 1000th Tank that celebrates with an all-white scheme, fresh from the Foundry Plant.
This marking is from this kit. The Stuart early is the USMC version in Australia during 1943.
The M3A1 Stuart
.webp)
The M3A1 Stuart also served in the North African Campaign. This kit includes the markings for the M3A1 Stuart, which was used by American forces during North African Campaign. A veteran commented that Little Bo Peep’s popcorn balls would have worked just as well against German armor. The Stuart tank’s role was reduced to flank protection and reconnaissance after the 1st Battalion of the 13th Armored Regiment participated in the Battle of Kasserine Pass. The M3 and its successor, the M5, continued to be utilized in Europe through the end of the war.
.webp)
Although poorly suited to tank warfare in Europe, the Stuart tank proved effective in the Pacific. The Stuart tank was used as an infantry supporting vehicle in New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Although the 37mm gun was not ideal, the small Stuart was much more practical for jungle warfare than the much larger and heavier Sherman that largely replaced it in late 1943.
The Brazilian expiditionary tanks seen in this marking choice in Italy in 1944
The kit from MiniArt
MiniArt’s new-tooled 1/35th scale M3 Stuart – Early Production kit features – as it says on the tin, a complete with six marking choices included in this model.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.webp)
The sprues of this kit:
.jpg)
There are nineteen sprues in grey plastic in this kit. This includes the whole interior of the tank, engine, crew compartment and ammo included.
Photo-etched parts are offered for correct scale thickness and a scope for damage or removal if so desired. The decals are printed in house by MiniArt…DecalsMarking choices:
.jpg)
There are six marking choices supplied in this kit.
.jpg)
Check out this variety of markings – Brasilian, USMC, Free French & US tanks all in this lot – including an anniversary tank to boot! This kit will be available from MiniArt distributors around the world next month. This kit is available for more information at 01001010.