M3 White Scout Car
In response to a US Army requirement for an armored car capable of scouting ahead of mechanized divisions, the White Motor Company offered a four-wheeled design. Though it was not the best design the Army could get, it was the best one they could afford, and White's design was ordered in 1937 as the M3 Scout Car. In service, it would often be known as the White Scout Car.
After the initial batch of 75 was completed, the Army ordered an improved version, the M3A1, as part of its pre-Pearl Harbor expansion. This version was longer and wider, and meant for a more dual-purpose role as both scout and infantry carrier, with provision for seven soldiers and three machine guns to support them with. The M3A1 entered service in 1940.
In combat, the M3 was a disappointment. It was fast enough on roads, but its offroad capability was poor, it could not defend itself against anything but infantry, and its open-topped design made it miserable in inclement weather, as well as easy to destroy with a well-placed grenade. After the North African campaign came to an end, the Army began withdrawing it from frontline service, turning it into a prime mover, ambulance, and general utility vehicle. Many were provided to other Allies through Lend-Lease, and quite a few remained in service in various roles postwar, albeit with foreign armies.
One other useful purpose for the White Scout Car was as a mobile command post, which was what General George S. Patton Jr. utilized it for. Other than additional radios, Patton's White was the basic M3A1. He used the White mainly during the "charge across France" to keep up with the fast-moving Third Army.
Dad built a White Scout Car in 1/35 scale to go along with his Tamiya Patton figure, then added in some of Patton's command staff, including Colonel Charles Codman, and Patton's dog, Willie. Dad wanted to redo the interior and the figures, so he removed them, but passed away before he could finish the rebuild.
M3 White Scout Car
In response to a US Army requirement for an armored car capable of scouting ahead of mechanized divisions, the White Motor Company offered a four-wheeled design. Though it was not the best design the Army could get, it was the best one they could afford, and White's design was ordered in 1937 as the M3 Scout Car. In service, it would often be known as the White Scout Car.
After the initial batch of 75 was completed, the Army ordered an improved version, the M3A1, as part of its pre-Pearl Harbor expansion. This version was longer and wider, and meant for a more dual-purpose role as both scout and infantry carrier, with provision for seven soldiers and three machine guns to support them with. The M3A1 entered service in 1940.
In combat, the M3 was a disappointment. It was fast enough on roads, but its offroad capability was poor, it could not defend itself against anything but infantry, and its open-topped design made it miserable in inclement weather, as well as easy to destroy with a well-placed grenade. After the North African campaign came to an end, the Army began withdrawing it from frontline service, turning it into a prime mover, ambulance, and general utility vehicle. Many were provided to other Allies through Lend-Lease, and quite a few remained in service in various roles postwar, albeit with foreign armies.
One other useful purpose for the White Scout Car was as a mobile command post, which was what General George S. Patton Jr. utilized it for. Other than additional radios, Patton's White was the basic M3A1. He used the White mainly during the "charge across France" to keep up with the fast-moving Third Army.
Dad built a White Scout Car in 1/35 scale to go along with his Tamiya Patton figure, then added in some of Patton's command staff, including Colonel Charles Codman, and Patton's dog, Willie. Dad wanted to redo the interior and the figures, so he removed them, but passed away before he could finish the rebuild.