1:72 M3 U.S. Light Tank First Hundred

The M3 light tank in 1:72 scale from the manufacturer Mirage Hobby

A plastic kit of the American M3 light tank in 1:72 scale from the Polish manufacturer Mirage Hobby. The boxing is devoted to the early production machines and holds plastic frames, a decal sheet and building instructions. The model is built as a classic injection-molded kit, and neither glue nor paints are included in the package. Mirage Hobby is among the brands that work up less usual subjects and early versions of equipment in a small scale.

The real subject

The M3 was an American light tank of the early 1940s, armed with a 37 mm gun in the turret and supplementary machine guns. It was powered by an air-cooled radial engine, the running gear used vertical spring suspension and fairly narrow tracks. The vehicle was fast and reliable, but with thin armor and light main armament it suited reconnaissance and escort work rather than fighting tanks. It was supplied to the Allies in large numbers and was used in North Africa and in other theaters.

Building and painting tips

In 1:72 scale the accurate fit of the running gear is the key thing, so glue the wheels and the return rollers to the template in the instructions, so that the tracks bed down straight. Cut the small parts off with a sharp scalpel and clean them with a file, as the plastic is thin in this scale. Spray the base coat over a primer, use dry brushing on the edges and dust pigments or brown washes on the underside of the hull. Varnish the areas with gloss clear coat before applying the decals and finally unify the surface with matte varnish.

Who the model is for

• for collectors of ground equipment in 1:72 scale
• for modelers who want the early versions of American armored equipment
• for building smaller dioramas in a small space
• for patient modelers with experience of small parts

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.