SPA Modeler

Here it is finally finished, my build of the Academy M3A1 Stuart Light Tank, in the markings of the USMC 3rd Tank Battalion on Bougainville in late 1943. The kit comes with a fairly comprehensive interior, but I added some missing details in there, as well as some on the external extra fuel tanks and some reinforcement iron bars on the rear fenders that photos showed. I replaced the kit headlight brush guards with some 3D printed ones and an engine exhaust screen that I printed up from files that I bought off of Cults3D. Paints are primarily AK Real Colors, along with AK, Vallejo, and Humbrol acrylics. I used the kit decals, and surprisingly they did not cause any problems as Academy decals often are reputed to do.

























And just for some size comparisons, this thing is pretty small…



Bigger than a jeep



Much smaller than an Easy 8 Sherman



and pretty close in size to WC-51 3/4 ton truck…

Thanks for looking, comments and critiques are welcome…

I really like it. Well done, Carlos!

Thank you Tom! It was a good project.

A really really nice looking build Carlos, you've nailed that one

Loving all the comparison shots too.

I keep meaning to get the Airfix boxing of this - I really must pick one up.

Thank you Stuart! I certainly recommend the kit. It can use a little help here and there, but it’s an enjoyable project no matter what.

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Thu Jul 09, 2026 9:27 am Thank you Stuart! I certainly recommend the kit. It can use a little help here and there, but it’s an enjoyable project no matter what.

That's good to know Carlos - I'd like to do a British North African Stuart which is why I'd go for the Airfix boxing. Mind you, I do like US ones as well.

Stuart, the Academy Honey Stuart in a Caunter scheme is is high on my intended to build list after this project. But I need a breather before that project. After all, it was you Brits who first took the M3 into combat in 1941, before the US even was in officially in the war

Gary, thank you! You are far too kind in your words on this one

Bruce, I did what I could to replicate the weathering that I saw in photos from this unit’s tanks. The texturing was key to the look I was aiming to achieve. Thanks for saying that I was able to lift this build past the kit’s original specs.