1/35 M3 and M3A1 US Halftrack 1+1 Combo Kit

The American M3 half-track was one of the most widespread and easily recognisable Allied vehicles of the Second World War. It was developed from the smaller M2 half-track, whose hull was lengthened to provide more space for transporting infantry. The M3 combined the manoeuvrability of a wheeled vehicle with the superior cross-country capability of a tracked chassis, making it a versatile vehicle suitable both for transporting troops and as a combat support platform. The fighting compartment was open at the top, with no roof. Including the various variants, over 50,000 vehicles were produced; they appeared on virtually every front and remained in service long after the war.

The main difference between the M3 and M3A1 versions lay in the mounting of the main armament – the .50-calibre M2 Browning machine gun. Whilst the M3 had the machine gun mounted on a simple swivel mount with a limited range of rotation, the M3A1 was fitted with a ring mount (known as a ‘pulpit mount’) allowing rotation of almost 360°. The M3A1 also introduced improved weapon mounts and minor modifications to the equipment. It was therefore not an entirely new type, but rather an evolutionary improvement on the M3; many M3 vehicles were later retrofitted to the M3A1 standard, often directly in the field.

The Andy’s Hobby Headquarters kit in 1:35 scale is designed as a COMBO, i.e. two complete, separate kits in one package – one for the M3 version and one for the M3A1 version. Both vehicles feature a fully detailed interior, and the hatches, doors and viewing ports can be assembled in either an open or closed position, offering plenty of scope for personal interpretation of the model. The machine gun is provided in versions with and without a protective shield. There is also a choice of front chassis section: either with a ‘front roller’ (anti-trench roller) or with a winch (lier). The set includes two driver figures to help bring the final scene to life, as well as photo-etched (PE) parts for finer details.

A comprehensive set of accessories – canisters, rifles, ammunition crates and anti-tank mines – allows you to recreate a realistic operational load for the vehicles or incorporate them into a larger diorama. Thanks to two kits in one pack, you can build both versions side by side to clearly illustrate the differences between the M3 and M3A1, or unify them in terms of colour and ‘operational’ appearance within a single scene. With this type, it is usually effective to highlight the panelling, add dust, mud and edge wear, depending on the chosen operational environment. The paints and glue required for assembly are not included in the pack.