M5A1 Half-Track

Fujimi 1:76 Scale Vehicle Review

The Fujimi model shown here is advertised as an M3A1 Half-Track, but the flat section mudguards, the hinged top section of the hull sides, and the vehicle dimensions point to a M14 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage supplied to Britain under Lend-Lease and re-converted to the M5A1 Half-Track configuration. The mine racks on either side of the vehicle should be left off to recreate the M14 conversion which did not receive these racks. The vehicle driver and crew figures need to be replaced with a British crew. The .50 Cal heavy Machine Gun may be replaced by a .303 Bren ligh Machine Gun scrounged from Revell’s 8th Army Infantry figure set, although British half-tracks did carry the .50 Cal Machine Gun as well.

Contents

• M5A1 Half-Track with ring mount
• Recon Jeep with .50 Cal Machine Gun
• 6 American Soldiers
• Decals for American vehicles

Evaluation

• Excellent choice of subject, converted M14 Multiple Gun Motor Carriages were used as M5 and M5A1 Half-Track personnel carrier in the motorized infantry battalions attached to British armoured formations.
• Scale model with good detail.
• Armoured windshield covers, side and rear doors may be modelled in the open or closed position. Compared to the Airfix M5A1, the Fujimi M5A1 is the better for collectors and diorama builders interested in modelling the half-track with doors and open windows.
• Compatible with Airfix, Matchbox, Nitto, Crusader Models, JB Models, Milicast and Cromwell Models.

• The Fujimi model is incorrectly advertised as a White M3A1 Half-Track serving with the US Army, when in fact it is a British M5A1 Half-Track conversion of the IHC M14 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage manufactured by International Harvester Co. of Chicago, Illinois.

The Fujimi model of the M5A1 Half-Track is an excellent choice for wargamers who are looking for a nicely detailed armoured personnel carriers to equip their British Motor Battalions. The Fujimi M5A1 Half-Track is perfectly compatible with the Airfix M5A1 Half-Track with winch.

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– Published: 16.03.2003 – Updated:
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