1/6 1943 Stuart M5

[PainlessWolf]

Got down to the business today of looking at the 21st Century Stuart up close to see what would need modifying or replacing. I'm splitting this build into three parts like the previous StuG. I started with the lower hull tonight. This section has been designed to run and give (generally) good ( if slow ) performance over outdoors terrain while spending as little as possible on the components. The stock tracks are going to Sassgrunt for a project of his. I have a more accurate looking set of T16E1s that he swapped me that were designed for the static version of this tank. They are heavy duty rubber and vinyl and should work as long as I don't run it through boulder fields and piles of broken glass. They need a good spray down with silicone and will get that asap. Having working idler arms. rubber tires on the idlers and slightly modded or new sprockets will help this set do their job a lot better. More tomorrow night. Pictures:

[Swamprat33]

Hi painless, While you work on the lower hull, it is probably worth re-profiling the lower - front hull (Transmission Housing) as the profile is way out.

It is very flat & square sided as shown in the first pix.

M5a1-2.PNG (46.32 KiB) Viewed 11806 times

I plan to re-profile my tranny Housing over the next couple of weeks and will update my thread when done.

Cheers
Tim

[PainlessWolf]

Tim, G'mornin'
You're reading my mind. ;o) I've got the tow hooks and transmissions housings to redo the front of the vehicle. Each section of this tank brings it's own unique 'challenges' ;o)
regards,
Painless

[palepainter]

HEHEHE. Moving up in scale I see. Are the eyes getting worse, or did you clear up some space for the 1/6th.

[PainlessWolf]

Pale! ;o)
It's really good to hear from you! I've had this Stuart in stock form for some 11 years now. ( Where does the time go? ) It got bumped up on the list of tanks to do and re-do when Sassgrunt provided a ton o' upgrade parts in exchange for the RC version tracks and a resin mantlet. The eyes are doing much better with proper scrips for my specs ;o) I'll be back to 1/16 scale next Spring with a Tamiya Tiger and an Imperial Sturmtiger. Stay Tuned!
warm regards,
Painless

[PainlessWolf]

Got in from the gym tonight and went to spend a little quiet time with the Stuart. Per Swamprat, I gave the bow and transmission housing a close look. Once the Cullen device was off, there is a definite overhang seen there but it is no where near as curved as on the real tank. I have some kit pieces which will give a lot of detail back to that area but I also see that the front weld on the bow will need to be defined and made deeper. An add on piece made from plasti-stock will be needed. Pics:

[Swamprat33]

Hi Painless, You now have a real advantage over me with those Resin & plastic upgrades.
Ive not seen or heard of them before and certainly dont think they are or ever were available in UK.

Would id be possible to draw a template with dimensions from those plastic side pieces.

Ive got some of the Armorpax bits, but that is all thats available here.

Tim

[PainlessWolf]

Good Morning.
Sure thing, Tim. ;o) I'll have some free time tonight and will see what I can do. In the meantime, this guy is the one who sold those parts I believe. It might be worth your while to contact him and see if he has any sets left hanging around. http://eastcoastarmory.com/m5.htm
regards,
Painless

[Swamprat33]

In the meantime, this guy is the one who sold those parts I believe. It might be worth your while to contact him and see if he has any sets left hanging around.

Which bloke do you mean Painless?

Tim

[PainlessWolf]

Tim,
East Coast Armory. I dropped the link in my earlier post.
regards,
Painless