M3 Lee Medium Tank - Miniature Model | USA

The M3 Lee was an American medium tank used during World War II. Named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee, the M3 was a result of the U.S.'s urgent need to bolster its armored forces early in the war. Its most distinctive feature was its unusual design, with a 75 mm gun in a side casemate (sponson) and an additional smaller gun in a rotating turret at the top.

Areas of Use: The M3 Lee was used in various combat areas of World War II, including North Africa, the Pacific and, to a lesser extent, on the Eastern Front by the Soviet Union, which received the tank under the Lend-Lease Act.

For which country: The main users were the United States, but also the United Kingdom (where it was known as the M3 Grant), the Soviet Union and other allied nations used this tank.

Possible uses in tabletop games:

• Bolt Action: The M3 Lee can be used as a versatile medium tank for American or British forces.
• Flames of War: Ideal for depicting the early years of war, particularly in campaigns in North Africa or the Pacific.
• Chain of Command: Offers interesting tactical options thanks to its unusual weaponry and armor.

Technical data:

• Crew: 6 (commander, driver, gunner, loader for the 75mm gun, operator and loader for the turret)
• Length: 5.64 m
• Width: 2.72 m
• Height: 3.12 m
• Weight: 27 tons
• Armor: 13 to 51 mm
• Armament: 75 mm M2/M3 cannon in the sponson, 37 mm cannon in the turret, several 7.62 mm machine guns
• Engine: Wright (Continental) R975 EC2, 9-cylinder radial engine, 340-400 hp
• Speed: Up to 42 km/h

Although seen as a stopgap solution due to its tall silhouette and unconventional armament configuration, the M3 Lee played an important role in supporting Allied forces until more advanced tank models such as the M4 Sherman became available.

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