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.

On April 22, 1951 during the Korean War the Chinese Spring Offensive, also known as the “Fifth Phase Offensive” began. It is estimated 650,000 Communist troops were involved in the offensive. The main target was the U.S. I Corps near the Imjin River and eventually the retaking of Seoul. The fighting raged until June 10, 1951 before the attacking forces were finally beaten back.

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 HG3612 M24 Chaffee light tank 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team near Yong-Dong-Po, South Korea, April 1951

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