My friend just picked up Tamiya's M3 Lee and I wanted to see if anyone had any ideas on making it more accurate. I've heard that it wasn't.

That is picked it up for me. Hobby Lobby 50% off.

Ahhh...one of my all time favorites M1!!
Iv'e built two of them already with a third in the unbuilt stack! Because I have this third kit, awhile ago I too was looking for something...reference on how to correct the kit's woefully incorrectedness (is that a word?) Anyways, with no further blabbing here you go:

http://www.clandavidsonusa.com/wac/panzergruppe/jan96.htm#Grant_1

Thanks, Kencelot excellent resource :-)

The M3 Lee is definitely my favorite WW2 tank. Try an aluminum barrel to enhance the kit. The ones for the M3 are usually the cheapest and it would be an easy addition/improvement.

Incidentily, the only 1/35 Lee/Grants available are the Tamiya M3 Lee and Tamiya M3 Grant. The other three kits are all 1/32, the Monogram M3 Lee and Monogram M3 Grant, and last but definitely not least, the Airfix M3 Grant/Lee. Best of the bunch and supposedly both versions can be built with the same kit (contains 2 turrets).

Any suggestions on manufacturer of barrels and detail sets (PE)?

I secured a 75mm barrel from Rubio for my Grant a long time ago. They may still be available. I found that you can add material to her from the spare parts box. I would not spend the money on an after market PE set.
DJ

M1, Jordio Rubio has the 75mm and the 37mm. This info is from GreatModels.

1/35 jr17 U.S. 75mm M3
Category: Armor Accessories 1/35
Turned aluminum barrel for M4 Sherman, Lee, Grant
Your Price: $3.70

Jordi Rubio Accessories
jr48
1/35 jr48 37mm M6
Category: Armor Accessories 1/35
turned aluminum. For M8 Greyhound, M3 Lee/Grant/Stuart, T17E1 Staghound, M6 37mm GMC/Dodge
Status: 3 In Stock
Your Price: $5.75

http://www.greatmodels.com/

The two 75mm barrels I have for the Grant/Lee/Sherman are made by Elefant and Jordi Rubio. The Elefant barrel is a good 3/8" shorter and is only marked for the Tamiya M3 Grant (#35.346). The JR barrel is marked for use with the Lee/Grant/Sherman and is number TG-17.

Thanks for everyone's helpful suggestions

Let us know when you get her done. Shep Paine made the classic M-3. You might want to consult some of the older modeling books for a look at it. Nice kit.
DJ

Rob--is the 37mm worth the money?
DJ

Idon't know DJ, I've got a Grant but did not want to sink much money into a Brit machine. Now that Tread has corralled a Lee for me, I will go ahead and get the Eduard PE and a 37mm. I'm not sure of which brand (JR, Elefant, or whoever). I'll let you know.

P.S. Let me know where you need the money sent for the 6x6 and Lee Tread!

Rob--this is message 200 for me. I recall getting brass barrels from a fellow out in Las Vegas years ago. The 37mm would be an interesting find. I had the Monogram M-3 Lee and I placed the CDL on an M-3 chassis some time ago. I'll build the Grant and use the incoming kit for a diorama with the M-26 Dragon Wagon. I enjoy the light tank series. Tamiya just re issued the M-3, M-8, and M-5. Enjoy making those. I have several resin figurines which I am painstakingly painting for the light tanks. Figures are not my best suit.
DJ :-)

I've always wanted to do a T-2 Recovery Vehicle based on the M3, someday...

Rob--you keep lifting the bar higher. Does anyone make an after market of that particular recovery vehicle?
DJ

DJ, I do not know, but 'm still waiting on a decent interior for the Lee. That big box just screams to be displayed in the open with ammo storage, 75mm gun showing, seating for 7, etc. I would like to try it, but I'm not into trying to scratchbuild the recovery fittings. Now maybe if the Italeri M-31 could be used? That I do not know. Why didn't Italeri do a good M3 series?

Rob---you obviously viewed the M-3 at the Patton Museum. She is in mint condition. The interior appears to be a rather boxy shape. I have several interior shots and diagrams. It would be a heck of a challenge just to replicate the breech of the 75mm. Beyond my abilities. I opened the side door and placed a figure in the hatch. The Shep Paine dioramas of the Lee and Grant provided some great ideas, The engine would be a bear to replicate. For the time being, I'll stick to "out of box and hope to make it look good" routine. How did you display the Sherman reovery vehicle?
DJ

In a big box along with other completed models that never see the light of day after a PCS move. The built one was made while I was stationed in Germany. It, along with the other kits I built while there, got put into a box for transport. I picked up an unbuilt one and will do another. I had built the first with the boom erected, but made it movable so I could put it in a box.

Rob--I built the first of two with the boom in travel lock. I got the other kit through APC Hobbies. Bought and built the VLS M-4 engine. Have a Sherman with the back deck off and engine well PFO'd. So, once I get into the Dragon Wagon I can start envisioning a diorama. How long did it take you to complete the M-26?
DJ

I have not bought the M-26. I've been waiting for the price to drop some more.

ADV/Azimut kit # 35148 is a conversion kit for the M3 to make it an M31 ARV Lee.



Looks pretty cool. :-) At $45 bucks though...

Wow! That is cool. You should buy it Rob.
DJ

I'll just wait until I win one.

Why do I get a funny feeling that you will...win one...aarrgghh!
Geeze, my ugly green-headed monster just reared it's head...eeek!