Part 1-Inspirational Material

I’ll be combining two primary reference photographs for my Stuart. A specific unit will not be depicted and the actual vehicle will be fictitious. The goal here is to present a representation and feeling of how the M5 light tanks appeared in operational field conditions in Europe at the end of 1944. My M5 will be given the name of “Little Sure Shot” as homage to both the size of the tank and its name sake “Annie Oakley” who was an exhibition shooter who used the small caliber 22 Rifle.







The below photo is to show that some late production M5s where fitted with the previously referenced hedgerow device.


I’ll be using the AFV Club Late production model as the base for Little Sure Shot as well as replacing all weapons with RB Models barrels.




In keeping with the second rule of my model philosophy of challenging myself a little with every new project, I be including an interior based around the Verlinden M5 interior. I’m still considering the level of detail I want to include. Will it be just basic shapes or a everything and the kitchen sink approach or something in between



Below are some additional reference photographs that will be utilized for the build.






Lastly please feel free to visit my Blog Allied Armor

Looking good Eric. I'll be following. I built this kit last year, no interior though. Kit does come with a metal barrel already, but the RB .30 cals are a nice touch. I ended up using the small AFV Club PE set, which I recall is actually etched by Voyager.

Hi Eric, I'll be watching this one close.

Eric,
I'll be aboard as well.
Dan

Eric,
While I know you are not depicting a particular vehicle, "Little Sure Shot," would be an unlikely name as there were few, if any, "L" companies in armored units (I think the highest letter was "I"). US Army practice at the time was to name the vehicle with the same letter as the company. Most U.S. armored divisions would have 3 armored battalions with 3 companies each, for a total of 9. Just an FYI. I'll be watching this one to see how it turns out. Good luck!
Regards,
Georg

Looks like it will be an interesting build Eric. Will be following!

Can't wait to see progress. Looks like a great project. Do you have a diorama planned?

looks like another great project on the way...I'll be watching!

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who posted a reply and for the constructive comments. A special thanks to Georg for his run down on naming conventions. I’m considering adding the name “Annie” with the script of “Little Sure Shot” under it, as in keep with the naming practice.

Really Really nice ideas, Do a Kitchen sink interior, nothing like the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing it's there, I will be following this as i like the M5's

Eric,

That’s a great idea with the name!

Have you started construction yet. I just took a break from my M5A1 early, and the lower hull is giving me fits. Lots of clean up and test fitting required.

@James; I’m really torn about the going all out on this bad boy. Right now I’m thinking of doing a full-up turret detail and basic shapes + for the lower hull as most of will be hidden once the model is finished. That being said the little voice in the back of my head keep saying “no way man, do the whole thing all the way!!...what are you a loser!”…we’ll see who wins

@John; Yep I have begun construction and this kit is not a TASCA for sure! Iwas going to post this later but here is a preview of how I’m tackling the lower Hull



As you see I’m using the right-angle clamps again, kind of spending but let me tell you they are a big help. I picked them up from Micro-Mark tools; you might want to check them out. Good luck brother!

LOL, I almost typed "This is not a TASCA" in my last reply. We must be on the same wave length.

Eric,
Nice to see you are posting anouther project on the site. I am quite looking forward to seeing your build for this M5A1. I also have this kit and it will be interesting to see how it builds out by a person of your strong talents.

Really looking forward to seeing more progress.

Dave.

Part 2-Lower Hull, Suspension and the Little Shoes

This update has been a long time in coming but here it is.

I basically finished the primary construction of the lower hull and tracks. Overall the assembly went together fairly good with no major problems. Let get on with the pictures!







If you would like to see the complete write up for this update please head over to my Blog at...


Thanks for stopping by!

Did you add the track skid to the top of the idler mount? I can't tell from the photos.