Hi all,
As I am finishing my M3 Stuart, I have started work on converting AFV Club M3A3 Stuart into an M5A1. This uses the Formations conversion set.
The Formations is very well cast, in a cream coloured resin. The overall feel and look of the parts ooze quality. Detail is very good, with all rivets, welds and surface detail well represented. Comparing the dimensions to references shows the upper hull is spot on, unlike Tamiya's old kit.
Here's an overall view of all the bits I intend to use:
** Base kit: M3A3 standard version.
** Conversion: Formations M5A1 set
** PE: Eduard 35492, for Tamiya. Formations had tailored the upper hull to permit fitting of PE screens
** Tracks: AFV Club indy links. Either the rubber block, or the T36E6 steel tracks.
References include the following:
** US Tank Battles in France 1944-1945
http://www.concord-publications.com/7050/7050.htm
** US Light Tanks at War
http://www.concord-publications.com/7038/7038.htm
** M3 and M5 Stuart light tank
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/titl...hp/title=P9115
** Modelling the M3 and M5 Stuart light tank
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/titl...hp/title=S7638
** AFVisual: The Stuart Series
** M5 and M5A1 Stuart Technical Manual
** Military Modelling article on updating the Tamiya kit
** AFV Interiors page
I'll post progress photos as I go along!
Cheers, MartinD
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