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Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2025 10:03 pm
by Ecam
While gathering parts I had forgotten that this was in one of my "carts". When it arrived a couple days ago I read all I could find on the forum and many talked about removing skirts...
After a couple hours I didn't find any such pictures (however twice I commented that I liked the skirts and would probably leave them on). (edit)
I just realised I missed one thread by Igi911 that has the trimmed skirts viewtopic.php?t=36321
Well....
Just the right side so far..

Re: Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 1:46 am
by ColemanCollector
That's going to/already does look good, especially with that strange machine gun shield storage thing chopped off. Really wanted to remove it on mine , but the version I'm doing has it.
What's the endgame vision for your tank?
Mike.
Re: Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 3:44 am
by Ecam
No idea yet. Haven't charged a battery (no test drive). I'll build a rear box, swap the Phillips screws in the suspension... Beyond that I have no idea... This is just a time filler while I wait for inbound parts for the D.W.
Re: Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 3:48 pm
by Herr Dr. Professor
Just a note that amused me a bit: we take the side shields off of the M5, but we add side shields to the Panzer III, Stug, Panzer IV, Panzer V.

Re: Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 11:28 pm
by tankme
Herr Dr. Professor wrote: ↑Thu Sep 25, 2025 3:48 pm
Just a note that amused me a bit: we take the side shields off of the M5, but we add side shields to the Panzer III, Stug, Panzer IV, Panzer V.
We always want what we can't have...

Re: Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2025 12:22 am
by Ecam
Terrific point Herr Doc! I've never cared for the sand shields on the Allied tanks but find the extra armor plates (Schürzen) really cool. But a very valid observation.
I have a few of Chris "Toadman" Hughes picture series CDs. One of them I've been using is of the M5A1 Stuart. About three different tanks are pictured, one with the side guard for the .30 MG and two without - of those two one has welded over pistol ports and the other no pistol port.
Not sure if he is still in business of if our brothers across the pond have access to them...
www.toadmanstankpictures.com
Re: Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2025 5:53 pm
by Ecam
I'd rather build than buy...
The 30 cal Browning that comes with the Stuart isn't too bad, the ammo box on the other hand...
I cut the belt form the kit's ammo box and added it to a Tamiya .30 box, then a bit of bracing and I came up with something I could live with.
Turret hatch stops.
It has been said the engine hatch hinges are way too big. The hatch hinges are also oversize but are much closer to what is on the real tanks. The engine hatch (battery cover) is tight fitting on my tank and it has some pretty good magnets to keep it in place. I removed the hinges and built some non working but closer to scale hinges for the engine deck.
Finally the left side view and I bobbed the leading edge of the fenders.

Re: Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2025 7:08 pm
by PainlessWolf
Good Morning!
Ecam! That 30 cal turned out pretty good. I've got a spare Battleground Models 30 Cal and mount laying around. The same as the one I used. It is left over from the order I placed to mini-detail my M5. (I said I would stop with the Antenna and the detailed 30 Cal but have since ordered periscope guards that I found for it on Tank Modelbau) Let me know if you can use it. The Hobby is Never Ending!
regards,
Painless
Re: Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2025 7:12 pm
by Ecam
Naw, keep the spares. I care very little about super detailing (unlike your work). Good from 30 feet is enough for me. But, thank you for the offer!
Re: Trimmed M5A1 Stuart
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2025 8:16 pm
by PainlessWolf
Ecam!
No Probs! Following Along!
regards
Painless