U.S. Light Tank M5A1 Stuart

Tamiya, 1:48 scale

Background

To relieve wartime demand for the radial aero-engines used in the M3, a new version was developed using twin Cadillac V8 automobile engines and twin Hydra-Matic transmissions operating through a transfer case.

This version of the tank was quieter, cooler and roomier; the automatic transmission also simplified crew training.

The new model (initially called M4 but redesignated M5 to avoid confusion with the M4 Sherman, featured a redesigned hull with a raised rear deck over the engine compartment, sloped glacis plate and driver's hatches moved to the top.

Although the main criticism from units using the Stuarts was that it lacked firepower, the improved M5 series kept the same 37 mm gun.

The M5 gradually replaced the M3 in production from 1942 and, after the M7 project proved unsatisfactory, was succeeded by the light tank M24 in 1944.

Total M5 and M5A1 tank production was 8,884; an additional 1,778 M8 75 mm howitzer motor carriages based on the M5 chassis with an open-top turret were produced.*

FirstLook

Tamiya’s debuted their 1:48 scale Stuart light tank family with an M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage in early 2023. They have now added an M5A1 Stuart.

Tamiya's 1:48 scale M5A1 Stuart comprises 130 parts in dark green coloured plastic, two metal ingots, four small polythene caps, a length of string plus markings for two vehicles.

This kit shares Sprues A (tracks and running gear) and Sprue B (mostly the hull) with the earlier M8 HMC.

Sprue D is all new, and covers the unique M5A1 hull parts, turret, Commander figure and detail parts.

Parts count is just 12 fewer than last year's M8 HMC, mostly accounted for by the absence of interior detail.

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Thumbnail panels:

Surface textures comprise recessed panel lines, bolt heads, screws and more. These look every bit as good as we have seen on Tamiya's other recent releases..

Hatches, hinges, rails, hand holds, weld beads, a turret-mounted .30 cal machine gun and other features are all crisply done, with many moulded in place.

On-vehicle equipment is a mix of separate tools abd some moulded directly to the hull.

The lower hull is made up from separate panels for the bottom and sides.

Two cylindrical metal ingots are included for fitting in the lower hull. This is intended to deliver "scale weight", but they are entirely optional. I quite like these so I'll use them on mine.

The inner halves of the bogie trucks are moulded to the lower hull sides.

The outer halves are separate pieces. The one-piece road wheels (pressed metal type) are simply glued to the inner bogie axles.

The drive sprockets are free to rotate thanks to the use of polythene caps. This will make alignment with the tracks easier.

The tracks are injection moulded plastic lengths and links. Detail looks excellent and with the long top and bottom runs, assembly is straightforward.

There are some ejector pin marks on the inside surfaces of the tracks (there are some on the lower hull sides too) but they will be almost completely hidden once the full running gear is in place.

The upper hull is moulded as a single shell onto which the sloped front hull and the top hull are glued. The engine deck grilles are moulded in place. They look good. Separate sponson covers block off the openings in the bottom of the upper hull.

Grousers and a tow cable are supplied.

The turret is broken down into separate parts for the sides, bottom, rear and front mantlet.

The gun barrel may elevate and depress due to the use of two polythene caps.

The only feature inside the turret is a simple one-piece mount for the Commander figure.

The front crew hatches are moulded shut but one turret hatch is moulded open. You can glue this shut if you wish, or leave it open to show off the Commander figure.

The torso Commander half-figure is nicely detailed with a natural relaxed pose. He is made up from six parts.

Clear parts are not included. The headlights are separate solid green plastic parts. Brush guards for the headlights and the horn are plastic. They are inevitably slightly over scale but I am sure that we will see photo-etched upgrades from Hauler and the like quite soon. Photo-etched frets designed for last year's M8 HMC should fit this kit too.

A length of string is supplied for the tow cable.

Markings are offered for two vehicles.

Both are finished in overall Olive Drab.

Decals are nicely in register and should snuggle down perfectly under a coat of setting solution.

Conclusion

In common with last year's 1:48 M8 HMC, Tamiya’s new M5A1 is a simple kit that will be easy to build. Surface textures are really well done too.

This is another welcome addition to Tamiya's 1:48 scale military vehicle family.

* Historical summary adapted from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M3_Stuart#Variants

Purchased by reviewer