 |
|
This early M3 Stuart features a riveted turret and hexagonal commander's cupola. This vehicle is powered by a gasoline engine, as evidenced by the pipes from the air cleaners going immediately into the rear deck. The driver's and assistant driver's doors are open, and it is evident that the assistant driver would have a very tough time exiting the vehicle under duress, since the bow machine gun takes the place of a second door in the hull. The driver could open a door in the front hull plate as well as the door with his vision devices, but the assistant driver must exit through the turret. This tank has not been fitted with machine guns. (Picture taken 18 Dec 1941; available from the 9th Engineer Battalion homepage.)
 |
The air cleaner pipes on the diesel-powered tanks were longer than those with gasoline engines. The angled bracket with the single perforation on the right side of the rear deck was the mount for the radio's antenna base.
 |
Notice the riveted hull and and round turret lacking a cupola on this Stuart III. The openings for the sponson machine guns have been plated over with round steel plugs. The tracks on this example are either the T16E1 or T16E2 rubber block tracks. The opening for the gunner's telescope is on the left of the 37mm gun M6, and the coaxial machine gun would emerge from the right of the gun.
 |
This side view offers a good view of the tank's trailing idler suspension, which is shrouded by sandshields. The air cleaners are visible between the sponson and stowage boxes to the rear. On this tank, also gasoline-powered, the pipes curve into the rear deck immediately from the air cleaner. Between the pistol port doors on the turret is the M20 anti-aircraft mount for the .30cal MG.
 |
This is a later-production M3A1, as evidenced by the lack of holes for the sponson machine guns, as well as a dearth of rivets on the hull. The driver's seatback is apparent, as is the turret basket. The propellor shaft can be seen running between the drivers. The turret seats, as well as the traversing mechanics, seem to be missing from this vehicle.
 |
This view illustrates the volute springs hidden behind the bogie frames and the entirely new hull and turret design of the M3A3 Stuart. The hull sides on this M3A3 are sloped, the rear deck is flat, and the turret features the radio bustle which was later incorporated into the turret of the light tank M5A1. The holes in the hull front are direct vision ports for the drivers, and the frames in front of the driver are for mounting the foul weather driving hood. Track grousers are stored on the turret, and the rubber on the tracks themselves has worn down to the bare shoe. (Picture courtesy Bojan Kavedzic.)For more images see http://elektron.tmf.bg.ac.yu/user/bojan/.
 |
The tracks on this example are in better condition, and it has (familiar) references conveniently ziptied to the front fender. The plugs for the drivers' vision ports are in place on this tank.
 |
The flat rear deck is shown here, along with the turret bustle. The removable plate in the turret rear eased removal of the 37mm gun. The tank's radio was mounted just inside the plate, and the two-pronged mount for the radio mast base is attached to the top of the removable plate. Guards for the various filler caps are visible on the rear deck, as well as attachment hardware for a stowage box on the extreme rear of the vehicle.
Questions? Comments? Corrections? Email me
© Copyright 2001-07 Chris Conners