M3 Lee
Bring an unmistakable World War II armoured vehicle to your collection with this detailed 3D-printed model of the American M3 Lee medium tank. Developed as an interim design while the M4 Sherman was being prepared for production, the M3 entered service in 1941 and helped strengthen Allied armoured forces during a critical stage of the war.
Historical Background
The M3 Lee was designed to combine substantial firepower with rapid production. Its primary 75 mm gun was mounted in a limited-traverse sponson on the right side of the hull, while a smaller 37 mm gun sat in a rotating turret above. American versions also featured a machine-gun cupola, giving the tank its unusually tall and layered silhouette.
The M3 saw combat with Allied forces in North Africa and was supplied to other nations through Lend-Lease. Although its high profile, riveted construction and restricted main-gun traverse became disadvantages as tank design advanced, its 75 mm weapon gave Allied crews valuable firepower against fortified positions, anti-tank guns and enemy armour. The vehicle served as an important bridge between earlier American tanks and the more versatile M4 Sherman.
Model Features
This model captures the M3 Lee’s distinctive asymmetrical hull, side-mounted main armament, upper turret, commander’s cupola, prominent tracks and angular riveted armour. Its instantly recognisable multi-level appearance makes it an excellent centrepiece for World War II dioramas, military model railways, tabletop wargaming displays and collectors of historic American armour.
Available Scales: 1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48, 1:35
Finish Options: Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, Historical Base Colour
Fun Fact
The tank was named “Lee” by the British after Confederate General Robert E. Lee. British-modified M3s, featuring a redesigned turret and no upper machine-gun cupola, became known as “Grant” tanks after Union General Ulysses S. Grant.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
