1:72 Medium Tank M3 'General Grant CDL' Canal Defence Light Tank

M3 General Grant CDL, 1:72, Mirage Hobby

This injection-molded plastic kit in 1:72 scale from Mirage Hobby captures the special version of the M3 Grant medium tank fitted with the Canal Defence Light, that is a secret powerful searchlight housed in a rebuilt turret. The package holds sprues with plastic parts and a decal sheet. It is a fairly detailed short-run kit with a large number of small parts, which we recommend to more experienced modelers.

The real subject

The Canal Defence Light was a secret British device meant to dazzle and blind the enemy with a strong, flickering beam of light during night fighting. The turret with its usual armament was replaced by a box with the searchlight and a dummy gun. Although it was an ingenious weapon, it hardly reached extensive combat use in the end and remained one of the remarkable curiosities of the war.

Building and painting tips

The number of small parts calls for patience; cut the parts off the sprues carefully and try the fit dry. Finish the running gear before closing the hull up. Use an airbrush and a primer for painting, and build the patina up with washes and pigments. The unusual searchlight box can be brought out with contrasting shades.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of unusual and experimental armor
• More experienced modelers drawn to more complicated short-run kits
• Anyone interested in British equipment and the secret weapons of the Second World War

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