M3 Medium Tank: The Lee and Grant Tanks in World War II

Developed quickly in response to Germany's rapid advances, the M3 tank was a compromise to get the tank into service quickly. he hull-mounted main gun and small turret with a 37mm cannon gave the vehicle firepower. Two designs for the turret differentiate the versions with the smaller version known as the Lee and the larger one, sometimes referred to as the British-pattern, known as the Grant. The unique design hampered the tank usefulness, and it was quicky replaced by the M4 Sherman and other tanks as they became available. Nevertheless, it soldiered on in Allied service through World War II.

To build a better M3, get a copy of David Doyle's M3 Medium Tank: The Lee and Grant Tanks in World War II from Schiffer's Legends of Warfare series. Typical of the other books in this series, this 112-page hardcover looks at the development of the tank through the various versions using scores of color and black-and-white photos with detailed captions. The images include wartime photos of Lees and Grants in action as well as restored examples in museums and details of interiors and engines. It's a terrific resource to build any of the numerous M3s on the market.