July 20, 2026

Preview: Gecko Models 16th scale M24 "Chaffee" In British Service

The M24 Chaffee in British service is Gecko Model's newest release in 16th scale. We look at the built-up test kit, etch & decals in our preview...


Preview: Gecko Models 16th scale M24 "Chaffee" In British Service

The Light Tank M24 "Chaffee" In British Service
From Gecko Models
Kit No. #16GM0035
1/16th scale
The Subject: The M24 Chaffee in British service.
The British Army received between 300 and 400 M24 Chaffee light tanks via the Lend-Lease programme during the final months of World War II. Christened the "Chaffee" by the British in honour of US Army Major General Adna R. Chaffee Jr, these vehicles were desperately needed to replace the ageing M3 and M5 Stuart tanks. Due to shipping constraints and production delays, the first batch did not arrive in Europe until late 1944, drastically limiting their deployment window before the war ended.

"Chieftain", a Chaffee from the 13th-18th Hussars
Once in the European Theatre of Operations, the Chaffees were primarily allocated to the reconnaissance squadrons of the famous 7th Armoured Division, known as the "Desert Rats". British crews highly praised the tank for its exceptional mobility, low silhouette, and surprisingly powerful 75mm main gun, which offered vastly superior firepower compared to the Stuart. They saw their first taste of frontline combat during the final Allied push across the Rhine and deep into Germany in the spring of 1945.
To align the American-built tanks with British tactical doctrine, several field modifications were quickly implemented. Crews retrofitted the vehicles with British-pattern Wireless Set No. 19 radios, necessitating distinct external antenna mounts on the turret. Additionally, British Chaffees were customised with unique fender-mounted storage bins, localised fire extinguishers, and the characteristic late-war tactical markings used by the 7th Armoured Division.

The kit:
Gecko Models' new 1/16th scale kit, "Light Tank M24 'Chaffee' In British Service", is a detailed kit of the late WWII version of the light tank in British service.

Features:
* This kit is made from plastic, photo-etch & clear sprues.
- Photo-etched parts & a decal sheet are included.
- This kit does not include any figures.
- A full set of engineering tools & toolboxes is included for this kit.
Brass cable is also provided for the towing lines.
- Photo-etch is included for the thinner parts of the kit, like the mudguards, grilles, blanket racks and light shrouds.
The main gun is included inside the turret; 
The radio for the tank is included for the turret.
Plus, the interior is only partially represented in this kit.
The suspension is workable, great for dioramas with uneven ground...
This kit has not been advertised by distributors yet, who are usually the first people to know of them, so there is no pricing or other information yet. We will let you know when we know more.

You can find out more about Gecko Models kits on their website