U.S. WWII M5 & M5A1 Stuart Light Tanks

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U.S. WWII M5 & M5A1 Stuart Light Tanks
Technical Manual Series
Editor: Michael Franz
Softcover - 48 pages
Publisher: Tankograd
Price: £7.99
Number: 6013

Introduction

The M5/M5A1 series of light tanks were borne from the M3 series which many would be familiar with as the Stuart or Honey produced during 1941/42 and used extensively by many Allied nations. The shortening supply of radial engines necessitated the search for alternatives, the result being twin Cadillac V8 automobile engines, and a subsequent changing of the hull to accommodate them and a new Hydra-matic transmission and auto transfer unit. The final production type of these experimentations was designated M3E3 having gone from a rivetted to welded hull and new power train, and it was designated M5, obviously to avoid confusion with the already produced medium tank M4. The M5A1 featured the improved turret of the M3A3, having room for a radio in the turret rear.

Unfortunately obsolete as battle tanks when they entered combat in North Africa in November 1942, they were pressed into secondary roles such as reconnaissance.

Production figures were:

M5 - 2,074 Apr.42~Dec42
M5A1 - 6,810 Nov.42~Jun.44 (of which approx. 1,650 were provided as lend-lease.)

The Book

I was not familiar with Tankograd publications before this review, so I feel I can be quite objective in my appraisal. This is a paperback book of 48 pages, featuring a high gloss finish. The first thing that struck me when initially thumbing through the book was the variety. From the inside cover onwards, there were modern restored AFV colour photos, reproduction tech-manual drawings, diagrams and WWII vintage photos. The book opens with an introduction outlining the history, development, description, differences between models, production figures and technical data.

Sections are laid out as Light tank M5, featuring exterior tech manual shots of the tank with associated labelling of major components, and then a couple of pages of archive photographs. Same follows for the M5A1, laid out in the same way. More photos are available for the M5A1 due to its longer production run and greater use.

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The light tanks are then broken down into sections namely: Driver's controls and instruments, Engine and engine compartment, Power train and Suspension, Hull, Turret and Armament, Sighting Equipment and Ammunition and Deep water Fording Equipment. In each of these sections the tech diagrams are probably the most useful for the modeller, with great drawings and labelling of interior, exterior, components and if common to only one of the makes, is stated as such in the diagram description. A great resource if wanting to scratchbuild an accurate interior for example.

Conclusion

I really can't fault this book as it delivers what you would expect from a technical manual series and more. The additional wartime photographs showing markings and stowage differences, the exploded diagrams of components, clear labelling and even the few colour photographs of restored tanks in action give a balanced approach to reproducing an accurate model. I already plan to purchase the M4/M4A1 manual in this series and expect the same level of information as shown here.

Great value and highly recommended.

Thanks to Justin at Bookworld for the review sample. To see other titles from Tankograd, as well as those from other publishers, please see their website: BOOKWORLD