British M3A3 Stuart Tank Crew
France M3A3 Stuart Tank Crew
with Accessories
Hobby Fan 1/35 sets No.HF552, HF553
Reviews by Terry Ashley
These two sets of figures are designed for the recent AFV Club M3A3 Stuart with set HF552 (British Tank Crew) having the two figures posed in the turret and set HF553 (French Tank Crew) having one figure in the turret plus the driver.
The figures each have a full figure with separate heads and arms and apart from the usual casting block no other cleanup is required.
The casting quality is excellent with crisp uniform details with good definition and nice facial features with the British crew wearing typical summer battle dress with tankers beret and the French crew wearing US issued gear one wearing a US tankers helmet and the other a French cap.
While the details are nicely cast the two British figures have some marked ‘high pant’ action going on with elongated legs and short torsos which make them look a bit out of proportion.
As the figures are designed to fit into the small M3 turret (which they do
nicely) this probably won’t be noticed as all you will see is the
upper body but negates their use as separate standing figures.
The two French figures are proportioned okay and will allow you to pose them
out of the vehicle if you wish.
Each set comes with two castings of equipment to add to the M3, one with storage boxes, bedrolls and oil can covered with a tarp for the rear hull with the other having a jerry can and personal gear for the rear hull basket. The castings have crisp details and should come up well with painting.
Overall the figure sets are nicely detailed apart from the long legs but as mentioned if posed in the turret this won’t be noticeable.
Page created 1 September 2003