M5A1 Stuart Light Tank

The Light Tank M5A1 was the ultimate development of the Stuart tank family. In 1941,there were worries about the future availability of radial engines as the production of both tanks and aircraft would outpace the production of the engines they used. June 6th, 1941 saw the conversion of an M3 Light Tank to M3E2, using two standard Cadillac car engines and transmission. Testing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds showed that the vehicle’s performance was comparable to the radial engine M3, and in November 1941, it was standardized as Light Tank M4, later redesignated M5.

The M5 received other radical changes to distinguish it further from the earlier M3 series, most notably the change to using welded armor over riveted armor. The M5 shared the same turret as the M3A1, but this was replaced in 1942 with an enlarged turret from the M3A3 with a bustle for the radio to fit into, thus creating the M5A1.

Serial production of the M5A1 began in December 1943 and ended in June 1944 after the adoption of the Light Tank M24. The M5 and M5A1 still remained in frontline use alongside the M24 until the end of the war.

Many surplus tanks found a long postwar career under other flags. Aside from the 1131 British Stuart Mark VIs, only five reached the Soviet Union (fate unknown). 223 were given to the poorly equipped French Army in North Africa, which later were integrated into the 1st Free French Army and served in Italy, France and Southwestern Germany.

The American M5/M5A1s were battle-tested in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, France (Normandy and Provence campaigns in the summer of 1944), and Germany, but also the Pacific, in growing numbers after they were discarded in Europe by the arrival of the Chaffee.

A 3D Printed Board Game Miniature Piece for a variety of board games, such as Axis and Allies.

Miniatures are supplied unpainted and some assembly may be required.