M3A1 Stuart, Academy 1/35 scale
First model tanks I’ve built since oh….1980 or so. I decided to give this one it’s own name and not build any of the 4 versions this kit has decals for. I just kind of wanted a name on there that looks like it was “scrawled on in the field by the crew”, not “airbrushed by a nose-art specialist borrowed from bomber squadron”
Happy new year, and keep those wonderful model posts coming!
10 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Morne Meyer said on December 27, 2014
Very nice Stuart tank, Ralph. Like the name. I can picture this Stuart somewhere on a Pacific island battling the Japanese defenders!!
Craig Abrahamson said on December 27, 2014
Nicely finished and photographed, Ralph….I like that!
Tom Cleaver said on December 27, 2014
Yeah, I could definitely see this one at the Battle of the Tenaru down on Guadalcanal.
Simon Whitney said on December 27, 2014
Nice and sweet Ralph.
Personalised as well.
Well done mate.
Ralph Clements said on December 27, 2014
Thanks!
Tom, I just finished reading “1942 The Year That Tried Men’s Souls” by Winston Groom. It had a vivid description of the Tenaru battle. I did not try to weather the tracks like those described there, which were rather gruesome.
AL HOFFMAN said on December 27, 2014
Bet you spent a long time putting that diorama together. The Stuart looks good too.
California Steve said on December 27, 2014
Ralph, that is one fine rendition of this tank. Thanks for not putting on a decal. I like the way you named her. I say well done!
California Steve
Bernd Müller said on December 28, 2014
Nice looking tank, Ralph and well presented, i like it and looking forward to your next AFV.
Well done
Ralph Clements said on December 28, 2014
Thanks so much everyone. You know, doing what I did with the name allows me to add a couple of shapely maiden decals to my spare decal stash. I feel certain they will end up on an aircraft of some kind
Tony Prince said on December 28, 2014
Great model Ralph. If you can have such a thing as a cute tank, the Stuart has to be it. Beautiful photographs too.