Stuart Mk. III (M3A1) - North Africa | 1:45 Scale.

Difficulty: 3/5

Model Features:

• Functional rolling tracks.
• 360-degree rotating turret.
• 1:45 Minifig Compatible Scale

Package Features:

• 356 New Construction Elements.
• Paperback printed instruction manual.
• 10 One-sided UV-printed Tiles
• 1 Exclusive Crate: 2x3x1 - 37mm M51 Ammunition Crate

Kits are prepared and packaged upon purchase. Please allow 5-7 days for processing.

History:

The M3 Stuart was developed in 1940, intended to be used as a light scouting vehicle, equipped with a more powerful engine and improved vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS) compared to the previous M2 series of tanks.

The first production M3 Stuart tanks were completed in March 1941. Many would serve under British and Commonwealth forces through Lend-Lease in North Africa designated as the Stuart Mk. I. The M3A1 Stuart was introduced in 1942 with an improved turret design and was designated the Stuart Mk. III and IV by commonwealth forces, with the Stuart Mk. IV denoting the Diesel variant of the M3A1 Stuart.

The M3 Stuart became very popular among the British crews for their speed and reliability, earning the nickname “Honey” due to their smooth ride. During the beginning of the North African Campaign, the M3 Stuart was comparable to early German and Italian tanks, most notably the Panzer III and M13/40. The Stuart began to lose its edge during mid to late 1942, when up-armored and up-gunned variants of the Panzer III and IV made short work of nearly all Allied tanks.

Despite its eventual obsolescence on the battlefield, the M3A1 Stuart remains an icon, remembered fondly by military historians and enthusiasts alike.