Tamiya 32606 M5A1 Stuart Light Tank

These are plastic model sets that require assembly and painting. They do not contain paints and glues unless otherwise stated.

Description
Following from Item 32604 (1/48 U.S. Howitzer Motor Carriage M8), we are delighted to announce the appearance of the U.S. Light Tank M5A1 Stuart (which was developed from the M3 Stuart) in the 1/48 Military Miniature Series. The light tank M5A1 was developed as the successor of the M3 Stuart, which was America’s first major mass production light tank. Powered by twin V8 petrol engines, it achieved speeds of up to 58km/h.

While it kept the M3 turret, the M5 had a welded hull with updates to the sloped frontal armour and the rear engine deck. After that, M5A1 tanks appeared with an updated turret equipped with a 37mm gun, and they had bigger hatches, rails for track grousers and a 7.62mm machine gun mount. Around 6,800 M5A1s were produced, and after debuting in North Africa they were deployed on the new Italian and Western Fronts from 1943 and 1944 respectively, using their mobility effectively in reconnaissance and other roles.

About the Model
This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit.
Length: 94mm, width: 48mm.
The distinctive form with high profile and front sloped armour plate is authentically captured based on extensive research of the actual tank.
Turret with a 37mm gun has realistic depictions of track grousers and 7.62mm machine gun.
Lower hull parts are from Item 32604 (1/48 U.S. Howitzer Motor Carriage M8). Front / upper hull and turret parts are newly moulded. (Please refer to images on the following page.)
Features realistic renderings of welded lines of connected sections and cast surface of gun shield.
Assembly type tracks have one-piece straight sections.
Includes one torso figure which depicts commander with binoculars.
Includes two marking options to depict the C-34 “CAROL” and C-12 “CONCRETE” of the 3rd Armoured Division at the Western Front in July 1944.
Two metal weights give a realistic heavy feel