Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3608 M24 (Chaffee) ROK Army Training Center Kwang- June 1953

Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:72) Weathering and insignias Turret turns Metal turret and main gun Realistic tracks

Because of several deficiencies a new tank was needed to replace the M-3 Stuart. The M-24, referred to by some as the Chaffee, was given angled armor thereby increasing its thickness. The M-24 was given a larger 75 mm gun as well as being the first US tank to use a torsion bar suspension. The M-24 didn’t do very well in Korea against the T34/85 so it was given secondary roles to the M26 and M46. The M41 Bulldog replaced the M24 in US service by 1953.

The RoK (Republic of Korea) Army had operated eight M24’s for a brief period during the Korean War. Originally the training was done at the Replacement Training and School Command. It was decided to expand and train larger groups of personnel and that it should be done at a centralized location. In early 1952 the new facility was opened in Kwangju 120 miles west of Pusan and it would be renamed The Korean Army Training Center. The facility could now accommodate up to 15,000 troops at one time. Most M24s were stationed here for training purposes only.

Specifications M-24 (Chaffee)

Manufacturer Cadillac and Massey-Harris.

Number produced 4,415 Crew 5 men Dimensions Weight (combat loaded): 20.25 tons Length (not including gun): 16 feet 6 inches Width (overall): 9 feet 8 inches Height (to top of turret): 8 feet 1 inch Performance Engine: two Cadillac V-8s, 110 hp, gasoline Maximum speed: 35 mph Range: 110 miles Fording depth: 3 feet 4 inches Vertical obstacle: 3 feet Trench crossing: 8 feet Armor 38 mm turret front; minimum of 10 mm elsewhere Armament Main gun: 1 X 75 mm - 48 rounds / armor penetration - 70 mm at 500 yds Machine guns: 2 X .30 caliber - 3,750 rounds, one in the bow, one mounted coaxially with the main gun. 1 X .50-caliber anti-aircraft mounted on top of turret - 440 rounds