Hi!

Recently I've started building M3A1 Stuart from Academy.



I managed to build interior of the hull, and suspension with separate links tracks. Tracks needed some putty, but the final effect is good enough I've removed some rivets, that were not suitable for the M3A1 version, and added some weldings.

That's how it looks right now:











My first idea was to build it out-of-the-box, but finally I bought some accessories:




RB model Browning barrels, M6 barrel with canvas cover from Panzer Art, and Eduard Browning mounts.

I've bought also some additionall stuff from Black Dog:



Right now I'm waiting for a courier with Eduard photo etched parts for this kit.

I want to build the tank with markings from Tunisie 1942, and I've bought a set of tank crew from Miniart: click. Will this set be suitable for Tunisie?

Thanks!

Yes that set will work for you. ONe thing to consider is this: the Stuart's tracks were very tight. No visible sagging.

Great job on the tank. Are the US flags kit decals as well? They should be 48-star flags, but my old eyes are playing tricks on me. They don't look right...

Other than that, again, great job!

Thanks for your comments. I agree, that the tracks should be tighter. I'v seen very few photos where sagging is visible, and I've tried to stretch the tracks, but with no success. Probably that's why Italeri presents M3A1 on their box with sagging :/

I've got two choices: leave it as it is with some sagging, or switch to the rubber tracks, which are worse than the plastic ones. Difficult decision :/

One thing that always seems to get overlooked on the Academy M3A1 is the fact that the right hand MG should be moved more to the outer edge of the sponson. Both MGs were fed from the left side, so the right sponson MG had to be shifted over to the outside of the sponson.