1:35 M3 STUART INITIAL PRODUCTION

The real subject

The M3 Stuart was an American light tank of the time of the Second World War. In the turret it carried a gun of 37 mm caliber complemented by machine guns; its strengths were speed and reliability, its weakness thin armor. It reached British units in large numbers as well, where the name Stuart took hold for it and the nickname Honey among the crews. The early production vehicles that the model concerns had a riveted hull; later machines differed from them both in the construction of the hull and in the shape of the turret.

What the kit offers

This is a model in 1:35 scale, that is in the most widespread size for ground vehicles, in which figures, accessories and bases can be found without trouble. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted, and the course of the build follows the instructions from the manufacturer. The early form will be appreciated mainly by builders who are after a faithful rendering of a particular period, because the differences in shape between the series are plain to see on the M3 even on a finished model.

Building and painting tips

• Riveted surfaces come out when you go over them with a dark glaze after the base color.
• Lighten the edges and rubbed places with a dry brush or a thin coat of a lighter shade.
• Dust the running gear with pigments; on a light tank the dust reaches the sides of the hull.
• Before applying the decals, go over the surface with a gloss varnish and at the end even everything out with a matte one.

Terms of supply

Paints, glue, putty and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.