Built and Reviewed by Steve Palffy
AFV Club's
1/35 scale M3A3 is available online from
Squadron.com
Steve Palffy has built AFV Club's new 1/35 scale M3A3 Stuart V.
Steve comments that the kit is more temperamental to build than the latest
Tamiya offerings, but that it is a very nice model indeed.
The highlights include correct suspension and running gear, excellent
flexible tracks and plenty of delicate details.
However, if you are a modeller who does not like small parts you will
probably want to forget about the grousers and other tiny details, as they are
quite tricky to handle and secure to the kit.
Steve said that assembling the grousers for the turret and glacis plate took
almost as long as the entire rest of the kit! There were two tiny parts per
grouser, but the end result is worthwhile as can be seen in these images. Other
fine details included handles, smoke grenade launchers, British pattern
antennas, fire extinguisher and tool box. The photo etched fret supplies the
rear stowage and tool box.
The .30 cal barrels are very well done, with deeply recessed holes in the
cooling sleeves.
The string provided for the towing cable and the turned metal barrel are
great finishing touches for this model.
The detail on the interior of the vehicle did not meet the high standard of
detail on the outside. Steve closed the hatches as a result. However, the radio
is worthy of note as a very authentic looking piece of plastic.
Characteristic prominent weld beads are missing from the turret and the
glacis plate. Steve added these from Tamiya two-part epoxy putty.
Steve recommends this model to experienced modellers due to the number of
small pieces.
Click the thumbnails below to view
larger images:
Model by Steven Palffy
Review Text and ImagesCopyright © 2003 by
Brett Green
Page Created 01 April, 2003
Last updated 24 August, 2003
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