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Light Tank M3 »Stuart«, 3rd production series With the start of the 3rd »mid« production series, the octogonal welded turret of the Light Tank M3 was replaced by a cast version of homogenous steel of a horseshoe like shape (type »D39273«) and the pistol ports were fitted with new protectoscope covers. The old octogonal copula disappeared as well, in favour of a riveted ellipsoid shaped version. The extra turret front plate was now bolted instead of riveted. The hull remained riveted, but the driver and gunner received new hatches with new protectoscope vision slot covers. At later production stages, grouser boxes were added to both rear sides, as well as additional fuel tanks on both rear sponsons, thus doubling the tank's range, as shown with the M3A1. Special thanks to Mr. Claude Gillono, France, and Mr. Eduard Golovashkin, Russia, for providing precious informations.
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Captured M3 in Hungarian service, Don region, Summer 1942 Note single right lamp, Hungarian Iron Cross | 
Same as left, decorated with Hungarian flag |
Gasoline-powered M3 captured on Western Front, summer 1943 Note : only left sponson Browning installed. | 
Baltic Front M3 near Riga, October 1944 Note : M3 still in action in late 1944. |