MiniArts Japanese M3 Stuart in 35th scale with crew

In our preview, we look at all the real things: art, infos and decals. We also examine plastics. We look at the real things–the art, info, plastic, etch, decals, & colour profiles in our preview…

Preview : MiniArt’s 35th scale Japanese M3 Stuart with Crew

Japanese M3 Stuart w/crew

From MiniArt

1/35th scaleModels

Kit No. 35454

for four options in the box.

DecalsFive figures included.

Photo-etch parts included.

The subject: captured M3 light tanks in Japanese service.

Japan captured several dozen M3 tanks during the war. The sponsons of all of these tanks were removed, covered and no image exists of an M3 Japanese with a.30 calibre gun. Although some M3s may have retained their machine guns, there is no photographic evidence to support this claim.

This captured M3 Stuart flying a Japanese flag was repaired and pressed into service with the Japanese 4th Tank Regiment, and later it was transferred to the 7th Tank Regiment.

Twelve captured M3 tanks were used by the Japanese military, likely as part of the 14th tank regiment before the disastrous Operation Imphal or as part of the 12 M3s that were repaired in the Philippines. The first recorded use of a M3 tank was during the Battle of Corregidor Island, which marked the final obstacle in securing Luzon Island and Manila Bay, thereby eliminating the American presence in the Philippines.

The caption on this photo exclaims that this captured M3 was knocked out by an airstrike. This looks like an awesome diorama! As part of the 7th Tank Regiment, an M3 tank and two Chi-Has landed at 9:30 am. Four Ha-Go tanks that were supposed to arrive with them did not. The island defenders found themselves surrounded by thousands of Japanese soldiers, cut off from any reinforcements and further weakened with the arrival of Japanese armor. Two Japanese soldiers pose on top of a abandoned M3 Stuart. The MG was removed from the hull sponson and the port was plated. The front hull MG has also been removed.

It’s believed the M3 tanks, captured probably during the occupation in the Philippines and elsewhere, were a major factor that led to the American capitulation. A group of Japanese soldiers pose on another captured M3 Stuart. Twelve were in restored condition, and five were still operational. The 3rd Company of the 7th Tank Regiment put into service a few captured M3 Stuarts in April 1942 in order to compensate for their losses in the campaign. After the Japanese took over Corregidor, they lined them up in Manila for a Victory Parade in May 1942. Each of the first, second, and third companies of 14th tank Regiment had four M3 tanks per platoon. The M3 tanks were overused due to lack of training and supplies. They eventually had to be destroyed or abandoned by the Indian and British medium tank forces. The 14th Tank Regiment was disorganized and crippled when the Japanese forces retreated to Thailand. This captured M3 Stuart tank was the sole remaining M3 Stuart that had been part of Manila’s defences. The US 1st Cavalry Brigade captured it in front of Manila Hotel. This kit is based on an eraly M3 Stuart with extra parts to create these captured tanks that were pressed into Japanese military service. This kit includes five crew members on two sprues. This is covered on one decal sheet.