1:35 AUSTRALIAN M3 LEE. INTERIOR KIT

Australian M3 Lee with interior (1:35, MiniArt)

A demanding injection-molded plastic kit of the Australian version of the American M3 Lee medium tank with a full interior, in 1:35 scale from MiniArt. The kit contains a finely rendered fighting and driver's compartment, the engine and hatches that can be built open or closed. Photo-etched and clear parts and decals for several versions are usually included; check the exact package contents against the manufacturer's part number for this item.

The real subject

The M3 Lee was an American medium tank of the early Second World War with an unusual arrangement of weapons: a 75 mm gun in a side sponson casemate on the hull and a smaller 37 mm gun in a rotating turret. Despite its outdated layout it played an important role until the Sherman replaced it. The Australian army operated the M3 and modified it for service in the Pacific. The version with an interior makes it possible to show the internal layout and the massive radial engine.

Building and painting tips

Because this is a kit with a full interior, work from the bottom up: first assemble and paint the inside of the hull, the engine and the fighting compartment, and only then close the hull. Emphasize the interior with a wash and a dry brush so that the details stand out. The workable tracks and the fine photo-etched parts call for patience. Spray the outer surfaces with an airbrush, emphasize the panel lines with a wash and add dust and mud to the running gear with pigments.

Who the model is for

• Advanced modelers who want to build with an interior
• Collectors of Allied armor of the Second World War
• Anyone interested in Australian and Pacific service of the M3
• Fans of detailed weathering with washes and pigments

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