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Modeller Build Logs

Formations M5A1 Conversion

By Martin Dogger
Started: Jun 11, 2007
Updated: Jul 14, 2007

With the recent 'plastic war' going on, the range of subjects available as plastic kits is getting very diverse. This is a good move, as plastic kits are relatively cheap and easy to get. If you wanted obscure vehicles, you would need to get resin kits. For some mainsteam vehicles, this was also the case. I won't open a can of worms on what kits should be issued. But until recently, Allied modellers have been asking for more kits. Over the last three years, a lot of good stuff has come out and more is bound to come. This is a good sign, as there are several Allied vehicle that are ill served. The US M5A1 light tank was the main type of light tank used in the ETO, but there hasn't been a recent, up-to-date kit released. This Build Log will feature the Formations M5A1 conversion for AFV Club's Stuart V kit. I'll take some sidesteps along the way, giving some background information plus reasons on the choices I make.

Introduction Overview of the Kits Used Overview of the References Inspiration for the model Suspension
[Discussion]

Overview of the Kits UsedJun 11, 2007
Here's a good view of all the bits I will use.

1) Base kit is the very good AFV Club Stuart V, released back in 2003. It's a state of the art kit, with very good detail, moulding and fit of parts. AFV Club includes a small PE fret, with bits for the engine screening, rear hull basket and some small parts. Tracks are vinyl lengths, and there's one sprue of single link length for spare tracks stowage. And the best is yet to come. All dimensions scale out very well! The old Tamiya kit is a dog really. I refer to my review at www.usarmymodels.com to check this story.

2) Formations M5A1 conversion. Well cast, researched and a very good value for money.

3) Eduard's M5A1 set. Although released for the Tamiya kit, this set has screening for the rear engine deck. Rob Ervin from Formations has designed his set to accept these parts. I'll have to see if the other bits will be useful.

4) AFV Club T16 tracks. Single link tracks from AFV Club.


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