Reviews : Tamiya US M3 Stuart Light Tank Kit

The good: great fit, accurate-looking shapes and sizes, one-piece tracks fit perfectly (oversize tracks that look like loose rubber bands are the worst), easy and quick to build - great weekend project, nice exterior details. The bad: decals are a bit thick and recalcitrant, completely empty interior with wide-open gaps that make it easy to see through where you shouldn't be able to. Would block those up with plastic sheet next time. Only modification I made was to drill out all the gun barrels. Kit holds up very well over time, and is still a blast to build. Thoroughly enjoyed it, especially weathering, making it look like it's been tromping across the damp fields of Europe.

I believe this is the first Tamiya tank kit I ever built, about 25 years ago. It got me hooked. I remember how excited I was to be able to build a model of the actual tank that was on display in a public park near where I lived. The detail of the kit seemed amazing to me. The four machine guns, the narrow tracks and wheels, the small cannon, the rivet detail. Compared to new kits with their many parts and photo-etched frets, this small tank may not seem like much, but for me it holds good memories. I very fun kit to build and paint, and the start to a hobby that has stayed with me for many years.

This is one of the best in the series of small tanks that Tamiya has lined up from the beginnings of their models. The parts are crisp with little flash if any and the fit is a perfect one. I had no trouble building this kit as I had the sister M8 and M5A1, all of which are superb for any level of experience in scale modeling. No matter the detailing of the kit there are some options for adding extra gear and some within the kit itself. This kit comes re-issued so grab two or three for a tank regiment of you own! General Patton rode one!

for someone just looking to add an M3 to their model collection. It has good detail and the parts all fit well together with clear instructions. The selection of decals aren't all that great (a problem I have run into with alot of Tamiya kits) but that is easily rectified with some after market decals. If I had a youngster that wanted to build a model tank with me, this is the kit I would pick.

I thought this was excellent model. It is simple enough for a beginner, but offers enough detail for the intermediate to advanced builder to enjoy. There are small pats such as grab handles, but no photo etch. The price is another reason I consider it excellent.

All parts fit well without flashing. Detailed can't-go-wrong instructions. Great selection of decals. I added British Insignia from a Matilda kit. Looks great to me and I highly recommend this easy-to-build kit!

Old Tamiya kit that is good for beginners. The tracks snapped trying to put it onto the vehicle but it's a 15 kit, so I wasn't too upset.

Quick easy build...this model goes together quickly and the fit is great ..what one comes to expect from Tamiya...

It was fun building this kit again built the kit when I was in high school in the 70's .Fun flashback

Was very easy to put together came out great and definitely recommend this model

It is good accurate and a starter towards building more 1/35 models