The M5A1 Early Version was used in both NW Europe and the Pacific campaigns. It was used by many of the Allies including the US Army and USMC and the British and other Commonwealth forces, the Free French as well as numerous Countries well into the Post War years such as the Republic of China.

The initial M5 Stuart used a redesigned hull with the turret from the M3A1 with the M5A1 having the turret from the M3A3 as well as other improvements such as the belly escape hatch, ventilator added between the hull crew hatches and beefed up idler mounting for the increased weight. Also incorporated were the new pressed steel dish road wheels and reinforced drive sprockets with all these features included in the kit.