M3A1 Stuart (US002) The M3 Light tank was a natural progression of the M2 pre-war light tank series. The M3 incorporated lessons from the 1940 fighting in France. The initial model was the M3, it saw extensive service with the British in North Africa, but further lessons were soon learnt and the M3A1 was the product of this development. The M3A1 did away with the sponson mounted driver controlled machine-guns, as British experience had proved then useless. The Cupola was also removed to lower the profile of the tank.

A gyro-stabiliser was added to the 37mm gun, the turret gained power traverse and a turret basket was added so the crew could keep orientated with the turret traverse. The initial batch had riveted hulls, but the bulk were produced with welded hulls. Over 4500 M3A1 Stuarts were produced.

In Flames of War The Stuart, bane of any infantry caught in the open. These little tanks zip around the battlefield taking advantage of gaps in enemy positions and any vulnerable platoons. Fair Armour (F3, S2, T1) and plenty of fire power (co-ax, hull and AA machine-guns) makes for a very useful light tank. Of course their big advantage is speed (Light Tank: 16”/40cm move on Roads or Cross Country). Designed by Evan Painted by Colin