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Book Review
M5A1 Stuart
M5A1 Stuart
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by: Dave O'Meara [ GRUMPYOLDMAN ]

Introduction
Comprising of a mere 67 pages, and billed as a “New Edition Revised and Expanded”, this recent publication comes with a decal sheet for 6 of the 10 color profiles contained in the rear of the book. Not having the original, it is impossible for me to compare and comment on what’s new or what’s been revised.

contents
The first chapter contains a short history and usage of the vehicle, this being a mere 7 pages long, with each page containing at least one black and white photo. You certainly aren’t going to find it a long reading exercise nor are you likely to become an overnight expert on this vehicle.

The next section gets to the meat of the vehicle, all in color, of a beautifully restored M5A1 from the collection at WTS Koblenz.. Consisting of eight pages, with at least two sharp and clear photos on each page, it starts bringing the vehicle to light. Following this section of color we come to the black and white close ups shots. Here are thirty-three pages of all areas of the vehicle, running gear, bogies, casting marks, and more casting numbers. For a modeler who enjoys adding all these tiny details to their kits, this is a detailers’ paradise.

Following the black and white photos, we come to the 1/35th scale drawings. You get a set of drawings for the M5, M5A1 Early, and M5A1 Late. I found my example drawings to be extremely sharp and clear, with nice fine lines. Now to be totally honest, I didn’t compare them to any other drawings. I’m afraid I’m not a person who loses too much sleep if something is a millimeter off. I’m too old, and my life is too short for me to engage in the battle of the drawings.

Following the 1/35th scale drawings we get to the cream of the crop, seven pages of color interior shots of a restored vehicle. No more questions on the breech color, or seat color, or markings. Each page contains at least two photos. Again more than enough to make the average modeler happy and keep him busy detailing his kits.

The book concludes with 10 color profiles and, as mentioned earlier, decals for 6 of them are included in 135th scale, 148th scale, and 1/72 scale. An excellent addition at an afforadable price to add to your modeling library, I purchased my copy from Squadron for $17.96.
SUMMARY
Highs: Clear sharp color and black and white photos, complete English text. Decal sheet is an added bonus
Lows: For myself, and my modeling needs I couldn't find any.
Verdict: I'd recommend it to anyone considering building the ancient Tamyia kit.
Percentage Rating
98%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: ISBN 978-83-60445-81-5
  Suggested Retail: $19.95 MSRP
  PUBLISHED: Dec 04, 2007
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.92%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 88.31%

About Dave O'Meara (Grumpyoldman)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

I'm rewriting this in a much more humoristic way, to help over inflate my ego, and place my self on a pedestal, because I don't have a life, and plastic models are the only thing I live for. I plead guilty as charged to excessive babble, light hearted humor, and continued encouragement to youngsters...

Copyright ©2021 text by Dave O'Meara [ GRUMPYOLDMAN ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

What options are given in this book? You mention the decal options but not what they represent. TIA, MartinD
DEC 05, 2007 - 01:45 AM
Good review. I am amazed I did not Dave could read. DJ
DEC 05, 2007 - 01:48 AM
This is the transfer sheet, lifted from Kagero's site David
DEC 05, 2007 - 02:04 AM
I'm sorry, I'm forgetful at times, and forgot to enclose the scan when I uploaded to Bill. Here's the decals that came with mine. (Might be the revised part of the title)
DEC 05, 2007 - 03:40 AM
Thanks David and Dave. Seems the one Dave uploaded is the one which comes with this book. The sheet is identified as Photosniper 3, as is the book. David's sheet is marked #18, so probably from the old book.
DEC 07, 2007 - 10:07 AM
I bought the Polish edition of the book yesterday. And I'm angry now - Polish edition does not include any decals!!! Those posted by David were included with first Polish edition of the book, but the revised edition seems to include decals (those on Dave's image) only in export version Dave, note that AFV Club kit of M5A1 should be released any day now and it would certainly be the one to build using the book as a reference, not ancient Tamiya one!
DEC 29, 2007 - 12:22 PM
Thanks Pawel, I'll definitely look for the AFV one when it comes out.
DEC 29, 2007 - 01:41 PM
That is music to my ears! Will be keeping a lookout Pawel. What a great idea to include decal options within the book. Hopefully it sets a trend, as I know how often I have looked at coloured plates and wondered where the heck I was going to get the decals for those versions... Nice review David Brad
DEC 29, 2007 - 01:50 PM
   
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