Classy Hobby 1/16 MC16010 British M5A1 Stuart MK VI Light Tank Kit

The M3 Stuart entered production in 1941 and became the standard light tank for the British and American armies. It was manufactured at only one factory, American Car & Foundry. By 1942 production was falling behind and two new companies began production, Cadillac and Massey Harris. Cadillac re-designed the M3 mount to 2 X Cadillac V-8 auto engines which meant a ne engine compartment and rear hull. The new tank was designated the M5 and entered service in September 1942. Later the turret was re-designed to mount the radio in a rear bustle, this model became the M5A1 entering service in November 1942. At first the M5 and M5A1 were used only by the US Army, while most M3 Stuarts were now built for Lend-Lease. But by 1944 the British and other nations began to be supplied with them in large numbers. The M5A1 was used as a scout tank were its high speed of 58km/h (36mph) could be used as an advantage. It was armer with a 37mm M6 anti-tank gun which was only effective against German light armour. Combat weight was 16.5tons and the armour was from 16.. to 51mm maximum. The road rang was 160 kilometers (99 miles) driven at 40km/h(24mph), a cross-country speed of 29km/h (18mph) could be attained. The M5A1 was replaced by the M24 Chaffee in the US Army from mid-1944, but may soldiered on with other armies until the 1970's