M3A1 Stuart Light Tank

British troops called the gasoline-powered American tanks ‘Ronsons.’ Like the cigarette lighter slogan of the day, they ‘lit the first time when struck’

by Stuart Lenzke and B. Mitchell Carlson

The catalog description for the M3 Stuart light tank was sparse but pithy. Manufacturer: American Car & Foundry Co., U.S.A. Crew: Four. Engine: Continental W-670-9A; 7-cyl. engine. Length: 450cm. Width: 246cm. Height: 230cm. Approx. Weight: 14.25 tons. Armament: One 37mm gun. Two replica 30-inch machine guns