Hobby Master Archive

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.

Belgium received over 200 M24 tanks through the Military Defense Assistance Program (MDAP) in the early 1950s to help this country to rebuild its army after WWII. The M24 wasn’t the most powerful tank it was attractive to smaller countries because it was better than anything they had and it was economical to operate. About 4,000 M24’s were left over and from WWII or approximately 90% of all M24’s produced were exported. They mainly went to NATO countries such as France that received approximately 25% followed by Italy that received 500 tanks. In total European countries acquired 60% of all the M24’s.

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

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3609 M24 Chaffee 719 Armored Regiment, Belgian Army

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