M3 Stuart..need guidance

Mo, I built that kit a long time ago. Straight from the box. Had to be 10+ years ago. I don't even have it anymore. My first wife stomped on it in a fit of rage. I wish I could help you out. . Especially after all the advice you share with everyone.

LOL, thanks Ted..hey jump on MSN..I am on now.

Cheers

Mo

The last time I built a Tamiya stuart, I use the AFV CLUB indy tracks. It took a while to clean them up, but they worked out nicely. I used them on the Tamiya M-5 stuart, which I believe has the same running gear as the Tamiya M-3. I hope this help's.

Thanks Matt, I looked at AFV's prduct list and I do not see teh tracks listed. Are they the same as the M4 tracks?

No I don't think so, they are called T 16 track. Part# AF 35019. They say "early tracks". I just looked at squadron, and model mecca and did not find them either. They might be out of production. One other option is that, if I remember correctly the academy stuarts come with both indy tracks and vinyl tracks. You might check into that also. Maybe someone out there can verify that. Good luck.
Matt

Moses, the AFV Club tracks are sold as two separate sets. See:
http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/m3tracksta_1.htm
You may need to troll around the net for someone with stock.

The M4 tracks are Shermie tracks, a tad too big for your M3 Stuart - maybe an M3 Grant or Lee. Don't you just love the US military use the same vehicle designation for different vehicles, like the US had the M3 half-track too!

The Tamiya M3/M5/M8 Stuart series is old, lacks detail and are very innaccurate. The Tamiya hull is too short in length, so replacement vinyl from, say Academy's kit, will not fit. I think Fruil and Kasten make an indy set, but a lot of money to spend on the old Tamiya offering. The Academy M3A1 is not that bad but the Brit one has an innaccurate interior. The AFV Club one is supposed to be the best kit around and rather than shell out for indies for the Tamiya one, buying the AFV Club one may be more cost effective.

Thanks Matt and Petbat, got a link to the tracks.. I appreciate it. I am not looking for reall accuracy, as I don't do MAerican Armor often, but do appreciate the help guys.

Cheers

Mo

Petbat, thank's for the info on the Academy tracks not fitting the tamiya stuart. I did not know. I have built the AFV CLUB M3A3. Great kit in my opion! I would like to build another one some day.

I built the Academy Stuart "Honey" and chose to use their indy links and it was pure torture...I still have their vinyl tracks in the spares box if anyone ever needs them. I'm sure they could be surgically adjusted to fit the shorter Tamiya hull if it came down to it.

I will be picking up the Academy Stuart tomorrow. Those who know me know I am not an American Armor fan. Although there is something about the Stuart that tickles me the right way Thanks for all the help guys. Much appreciated.

Cheers

Mo

QUOTE: Originally posted by Moses Although there is something about the Stuart that tickles me the right way

LOL!!

Funny, but I must admit that I am the same way. For some reason I am just going to have to build a marine corps Stuart, or two, or three some day. There is just something about the Pacific theatre of war.

Good luck with your build!