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SFC_Jeff_Button · Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:51 pm Post subject: M5A1 Stuart at VA War Museum...

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This M5A1 was at VA War Museum. I snapped the interior pics through the open periscopes, did the best I could. They didn't know the serial number of the tank, but would the casting/stamping numbers tell us anything? They are from up by the turret ring. A very clean and nice example. Alittle before my time and period of interest but now my interests seem to be expanding rapidly since joining AFV DG. Enjoy!

Kurt_Laughlin · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 24, 2006 Posts: 577

Hi Jeff:

The serial should be stamped on the data plates visible in the photos. Externally, it should be on the right (hull MG side) of the glacis above the welded-in casting for the MG, and on the right differential cover bulge near "the hole that doesn't have a bolt in it". Both places should have "SER NO." before the number. This holds for all M5 tanks and M8 HMCs. Most reliable number is dataplate (if original), then glacis, then differential cover. The latter could be unbolted so it was possible to swap between tanks.

KL

oldtop · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 17, 2006 Posts: 70

M5s as "Honey"..in the back of my miltary mind lingers M3 light tanks aka "Honey" name so by the Brits.

SFC_Jeff_Button

I'm back at Ft Irwin now, preparing for my move to Ft Hood, so I don't have ready access to this tank again until I get back to that area. Thanks for the info though. I took the interior pics through openings I could barely reach, aiming my camera where I could. I looked all over the tank for markings, but I guess the paint was to thick.

Doug_Kibbey

Interesting to see a MACV-SOG plaque on the back wall...wonder what the VN exhibit consists of.

bsmart

- oldtop

M5s as "Honey"..in the back of my miltary mind lingers M3 light tanks aka "Honey" name so by the Brits.

Your military mind as usual is correct. Crisp tells the story in Brazen Chariots.

When the first M-3s were delivered to the 8th Army they were issued to troops who had lost tanks in Greece. A common problem with the old British Cruiser tanks was shedding tracks in turns. The crew took the newly issued m3 out in the desert 'to see what it would do' They liked the acceleration and speed and really tried to get it to shed a track. After twisting and turning for a while they brought it back and were asked by the Tech reps at the depot what they thought. The driver chimed in with 'It's a Honey' and the name stuck

Maple_Leaf_Eh · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 24, 2006 Posts: 517

About fifteen years ago I had a chance to ride in the turret of an M3 at a historic vehicle rally. That is one very small tank! There is no way a grown (ie full size Baby Boom) man could expect to fit inside comfortably, never mind drive or codrive.

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