[NATO/Cold War] Portugal M5A1 "Gina"

[ColemanCollector]

Here's my group build for this round, a Coolbank M5A1 used by Portugal in Angola for convoy protection from FNLA (Fronte Nacional de Libertacao de Angola--National Front for the Liberation of Angola) guerillas in the late '60s-early 70s.

There were only 3 Stuart's used there, and I've chosen "Gina" that was posted in Luanda.

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It'll be a fairly straightforward build--fix the suspension ride height and add details, remove the sandshields, add a rear stowage bin, add Portugese markings and the distinctive Angola camouflage.

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As an added bonus for me, there's a Canadian connection to these three Stuart's, and it is pretty cool to watch the subtle changes to them over their service in Angola. Kinda like watching your kids grow up!

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Mike.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

That camouflage is going to be a challenge. I am eager to see how you accomplish the "brand new leopard-skin pillbox hat" look.

[Stormbringer]

Looks interesting

[ColemanCollector]

The Angolan liberation guerillas called them "Elefante Dundum", yes spelled "Dundum". Major Joao Luiz Mendes Paulo saw the need for better protection for the Portugese convoys in 1967, so fought with his higher ups for some tanks. He ended up getting permission to get 3 old Stuart's from a Portugese tank depot holding about 90 of them and some Shermans. How'd they get all of these Stuart's? They bought them from Canada!

In 1956, Canada offered up its old Stuart's it had bought from the USA in 1946 to any NATO countries that wanted them. Portugal was the only taker. Once in Portugal, some were put in use, while most sat in the tank storage depot. Here's the full crazy story, and if you see a M5A1 in a museum today, it might be part of that dealio!
https://canadianarmsandarmour.ca/m5a1-stuart/

The 3 Stuart's that were selected by Mendes were refurbished and sent to Angola. They were nicknamed "Milocas", "Gina", and "Licas". Their serial numbers are prominently displayed on the glacis so it's fascinating to see their changes over their service ('68-'73).

I purchased this DVD from a Portugese seller and it has helped immensely sorting out the looks and equipment of "Gina".

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There's also a book by the same name but it's long out of print and crazy pricey. No translations for either so Google translate for Portugese is getting a workout!

Mike.

[Panzermechaniker]

Very cool subject. Did you ever finish that crazy Indian Army camo job? That would have driven me nuts

[ColemanCollector]

I got part way through building the 1/2 size external fuel tanks for the back of the Indian T-72 and kind if lost interest in it. But the mojo will return.

I'm feeling this M5A1, baby! Worst part is shaving off all of the crude Coolbank "details" and not skewering myself with the X-acto!

Mike.

[HERMAN BIX]

This is a great odd subject & just goes to show whats out there as a subject if ya look hard enough !
Cant wait to see the camo go on, its going to be so
Best of luck getting a crew with the Lizard-cam style uniforms