Hobby Master Archive

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.

As part of the Military Defense Assistance Program (MDAP) Spain received 31 M24 Chaffee tanks in February 1954. Initially they equipped the Dragonnes del Alfambra of the Brunette 1st Armored Division and the Larama Cavalry Division. In 1957 the Moroccan government laid claimed to the region referred to as the Western Sahara. The region is rich in phosphate is claimed by Spain and they call it the Spanish Sahara. King Hassan of Morocco sent 350,000 marchers to the capital of the region and Spain sent the Gripos Blindados de Caballeria (Cavalry Armored Groups) with its M24 tanks and armored cars because of what looked like would be a war. Because of the desert these tanks were painted in simple light sand with a single black tactical number on the side of the turret. Both sides began negotiations and King Juan Carlos of Spain who had just taken over after the death of General Franco felt there had been enough killing and with the involvement of the UN there is a stalemate. Both sides still claim ownership but in fact it is occupied by Moroccan citizens but not recognized by the UN as the owners.

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 HG3610 M24 Chaffee Grupos Blindados de Caballeria Spanish Sahara Crisis 1957

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