Tamiya M5A1 Stuart Tank Model Build

In this episode we embark on the construction stage of Tamiya's vintage M5A1 kit. Our build reveals design compromises and remnants of 70s-era kit engineering when compared to Tamiya's modern and more recent releases. So stick with us as we message this by-gone era kit into a display model we can be proud of.
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[@pcassar31]

I found this video exactly for the instructions at 05:58, thanks!

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey Paul, thanks for the awesome comment. I'd advise you have quick look at the part 2 video, around 9:40 as more information about those pesky bogie caps is provided. Hopefully you won't make the same mistake I did!😜

[@jamesmcansh3441]

Great attention to true details from real tank to model . ✌🇨🇦✌☃️☃️

[@stevieRay3211]

Hi James - thank you for stopping by and especially for the awesome comment. Glad you enjoyed the video and build. If I were to do it all over again I would have built the newer Tamiya M3. This old kit really should be retired but I guess it's the nostalgia that attracted me to it. Still painting and weathering was really fun. Glad you could stop by!

[@crunchybro123]

M5a1 deserves to have those track gaurds. I will die on this hill, it needs those to reach perfection

[@stevieRay3211]

The M4 Sherman looks mighty fine with track guards too, but ends up looking a little too factory fresh. Thanks for the comment!

[@crunchybro123]

@@stevieRay3211 no problem, that model looks beautiful! Hope to see more of your channel

[@SteveJonesScaleModellingSite]

Just discovered your channel and subscribed. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey Steve, welcome aboard and thank you for the nice comment. Holidays coming up should afford more time to produce so looking forward to it. Stay well!

[@JonathanCheeseman]

That's a walk down memory lane for me Tomas - I had this one and the M8 Motor Carriage back in the mid 80s. Boy, i think it's showing its age worse than I am! Thanks for the video, looking forward to the 2nd part! Oh, and I'm pleased to see your subscriber count edging ever-upwards.

[@stevieRay3211]

Hi Jonathan. Nostalgia is definitely a big part of these "vintage" builds. We were probably less caring of the bugs back then. We'll see how my filling holds up to paint but we have mud standing by. Thank you for the nice note and stay well.

[@halkdwarf5481]

My favorite Serie Toms world :)

[@stevieRay3211]

Thanks Hawk, I appreciate the shout-out.

[@halkdwarf5481]

@@stevieRay3211 no problem like this videos

[@staredsky]

this is the tank where in World of Tanks (the game) i get always killed after 1 minute, lol :) Everythings ok Tom? Stay safe!!!

[@stevieRay3211]

I'll have to build a Maus or Jagdtiger next then hopefully that'll keep you safe in WOT. I am well and hope you are too Luca. I hear the US has a vaccine for Covid so hopefully life can get back to normal soon. Stay well my friend.

[@halkdwarf5481]

my fav playlist toms world you explain so good :)

[@therustyhelmet8927]

Hello Tomas, i wonder if you can take a look at the question i ask in your hobbyboss GMC review.Thanks.

[@BrettG64]

Great video, Tomas! As for the funky end connector placement on the tracks, I think Tamiya did that to make the tracks as flexible as possible for motorized use. Funny thing is, Monogram did the same thing on their Sherman and Lee/Grant tanks back in the day as well... but they weren't even motorized!

[@stevieRay3211]

Thanks for the note Brett. Your observation makes sense as the tracks would have taken a beating on the motorized version. I liked the way Academy did their track on the M1A2 Tusk, albeit they were styrene but they used a hard styrene connector for the glue joint. An apples to oranges comparison but the method was very good. Weird about the Monogram kits but it was definitely a different era. All the best Brett!

[@therustyhelmet8927]

Hello, can i ask why no response to my question about the hobbyboss GMC?

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey Rusty glad you wrote again. I really waned to reply to your first comment - it was so nice - but for whatever reason I was not able to respond to it. In fact, I just checked the HB Bofors video and I don't see your question there either. Are you a "private" or "hidden" subscriber? Anyway, ask your question again here or email me at [e-mail]. I always answer my comments so don't get the impression I'm ignoring you. In fact your first comment was really nice and I felt bad that I couldn't respond. Sorry dude, YT's fault.

[@MVeminor7]

Another great video. Thanks Tom. Happy and Healthy New Year to you and yours.

[@stevieRay3211]

Thanks Mike. Got a model for Christmas so the New Year will be great indeed. Cheers!