Tamiya 35360 - 1:35 U.S. Light Tank M3 Stuart Late Production

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the U.S. M3 Stuart light tank (late production)

The M3 Stuart was a fast, nimble light tank well suited to reconnaissance and flank protection. The British, who received it under supply agreements, valued its reliability and easy handling — hence the nickname Honey.

Tamiya 35360 is based on new tooling from 2018 and depicts the late production version, distinguished by a turret without the commander's cupola and by the Continental W-670 radial petrol engine. The model reproduces the characteristic riveted and welded hull, the 37 mm M6 gun and the tank's running gear.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret, gun and running gear
• Band tracks (cemented)
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35360
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: approx. 129 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

This is a compact, approachable model — the parts fit very well and the band tracks are simply cemented, with no individual links to assemble, which makes the kit a good choice for anyone starting out in armour modelling. It is worth taking a moment to align the road wheels and return rollers carefully so that the tracks sit evenly.

A US olive drab finish is recommended (e.g. Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab), following the scheme chosen from the instructions, which include the manufacturer's paint codes. A wash brings out the rivets and hull details, while light dry-brushing emphasises the armour edges. Dust and mud on the tracks can be suggested with pigments. A matt varnish suits the finished model.

Tools required:

• Sprue cutters
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out detail
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – U.S. Light Tank M3 Stuart:

The M3 was developed from earlier American light tanks, strengthened in the light of combat experience in Europe. It received the 37 mm M6 gun, thicker armour and a powerful Continental W-670 radial engine of 250 hp, which gave it high speed and agility.

The tank served with American and British units, making its combat debut in North Africa. Crews appreciated its mechanical reliability and handling, although its gun soon proved too weak against enemy medium tanks. Stuarts were therefore used mainly for reconnaissance, flank protection and infantry support.

On the late production version the commander's cupola was omitted, lowering the silhouette, and power came from a radial petrol engine. Stuarts served on every front — from North Africa through Europe to the Pacific, where their small size proved useful in the jungle.

Original vehicle specifications (M3 Stuart):

• Length: approx. 4.53 m
• Combat weight: approx. 12.7 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 37 mm M6 gun
• Powerplant: Continental W-670 radial engine, 250 hp
• Character: fast light tank, valued for agility and reliability
• Users: US Army and Britain (nicknamed Honey)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company began in the timber trade and wooden products, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came its first 1:35 scale tank — a scale that, thanks to Tamiya, became the worldwide standard for armour modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds, well-thought-out kit engineering and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of releases covering vehicles, guns and figures from around the world. Tamiya instructions are clear, richly illustrated and include paint codes from the company's own range. Alongside model kits, Tamiya offers a full range of accessories: paints, cements, putties, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.