I usually build OOB or close to OOB models, so this is going to be a different experience. I'm planning on building the AFV M3A3 with the new Accurate Armour interior set and the Royal Model PE set. What I need from you experts out there is help with the interior colours, and help with unit markings. I do have the Tanks in Detail book by Jonathan Forty for starters.

Frank

Thats gonna look cool Frank. I used my first aftermarket stuff in the form of Cavalier Zimm for an Elefant. I just picked up another set for my King Tiger Porsche. I still cant get brave enough to use the intensive pe and resin sets yet.

Hi Frank goo d luck with the project i've also got the accurate armour conversion & have started work on it .I'll probably use the kit decals but most Brit &Canadian Tank Units in Normandy would have used Stuart Vs in thier recce troop generally amix of turreted & turretless by late 44 stuart V! ( m5a1 ) had started to appear .Stuart Vs were also used in Italy in recce troops and seemed to stay in evidence longer

That is going to be a cool looking tank for sure! Main advice would be to be very carefull handling such large sheet areas of PE. Trim them from the fret on a clean piece of glass and be carefull sliding them on the desk top so they do not get 'hung' on anything and get bent. A small piece can be fixed as easilly as clamping them in a pair of postal tweesers, but the big stuff is hard to fix. You also should very carefully sand the entire fret with 600 grit sandpaper so paint and and glue will stick to the larger pieces . Likewise be sure to clean the resin bits with acetone.