Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG3610
M24 Chaffee Diecast Model
Spanish Army, Sahara, Spanish Sahara Crisis, 1957 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| M24 Chaffee | | 3" | | 1.5" |
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.
Designed as a more heavily armored improvement over the M3/M5 Light Tanks, the M24 entered production in 1944. To help keep weight down, the front of the hull featured a realtively thin (approximately 1 inch thick) glacis, raked back at a 60 degree angle while armament was provided in the form of a lightweight 75mm gun, developed from the one on the B-25H Mitchell. While the larger gun was a significant improvement over that of the M5, the light armour still left the M24 vulnerable to most German tanks of the era. © Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale M24 Chaffee light tank is constructed with a blend of diecast metal and plastic, with plastic used to achieve maximum detail and a discreet internal weight added for a heavy feel. The 360 degree rotating turret is made from finely detailed plastic and has a pivoting metal cannon. The top portion of the hull is also made from plastic and features accurately replicated engine vents and hatches. The diecast metal bottom potion features maintenance hatches and torsion bar suspension. The antenna, hand-painted headlights and .50 cal machine gun with ammo box are separately applied.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.
Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Clear acrylic display case to protect model.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
