Introduction:
A canvas cover is a cheap and convenient way to keep dust and debris from getting into the tank gun barrels, as well as to protect machine guns from foul weather conditions.
The image above shows M3 Stuart light tank equipped with an entire set of canvas covers. If you are interested in making something similar in 1/35 scale, DEF Model has a solution… US M3 Stuart Canvas Covered Gun Set (DM35119).
Review:
The set comes in a small cardboard box. The front of the box provides an image of the assembled plastic model showcasing the pieces included in the set. The box also specifies the set is designed to fit Tamiya/Academy models.
Opening the box reveals a zip-lock with grey resin pieces.
The set consists of 5 resin pieces. The resin looks really good and is perfectly cast.
The casting blocks are large but should prove very easy to remove and clean without damaging the pieces.
The M3 Stuart was a light tank designed not to deal with other tanks, but only occasional infantry and other scouting forces. However, with no less than five M1919 .30 caliber machine guns and a rapid-fire M5/M6 37mm gun, the M3 was a deadly package in itself, despite lacking heavy firepower.
The set includes canvas cover for M3 Stuart main gun which covers the mantlet, gun barrel of the 37mm cannon and co-ax gun. Also included are the full canvas protection for the turret mounted Browning M1919 which covers the gun, mount and ammo box, as well as three additional covers for the hull machine guns. I managed to find images of real covers and compared them to DEF Model versions in 1/35 scale.
The details are well defined and I particularly like the way the deep folds convey the feeling of heavy material draped around the guns.
Check out DEF Model website for additional images of this set fixed on the model: link.
Conclusion:
US M3 Stuart Canvas Covered Gun Set (DM35119) from DEF Model includes 5 resin parts. The pieces are perfectly cast and realistically depict canvas covered M3 guns, not only the main gun barrel and turret machine gun, but the hull machine guns as well.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to DEF Model for this review sample.
