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.


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.


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
HG3610
M24 Chaffee
Grupos Blindados de Caballeria
Spanish Sahara Crisis 1957
Pre-Painted by professionals
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
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