Product Specifications.

6320, StuG.III Ausf.G Early Production Smart Kit. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 391 styrene parts (including 10 clear), two bags of Magic Tracks, 20 etched brass parts, one length of wound metal wire, five water-slide decal marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 19 steps.

Introduction.

Probably one of my personal all-time favorite German AFVs of the Second World War is the Sturmgeschutz III series. In concept and design it is typically "Teutonic"; it saw wide service almost from the war's beginning, was seen in a large variety of markings schemes and was produced in large numbers in many variations. So, from my point of view, "what's not to like"?

Years ago, DML brought out some nice kits of the early versions, from the Ausf.A through the Ausf.F. These were "all-DML" items and have stood the test of time rather well. Their Ausf.G kits were based on upgraded versions of the old Gunze "High-Tech" offerings from the late 1980s. They were, to say the least, a mixed blessing. Now, DML has introduced a completely new-tool kit of an "Early Production" StuG.III Ausf.G, whose modular configuration makes it highly likely that there will be all sorts of "Stuggies" (as well as probably Pz.Kpfw.IIIs) in the future.

Tracks.

These come loosely packed in a two bags and are so-called "Magic Tracks". They represent the 40cm-wide links that had hollow guide horns and plain cleat faces. These tracks are also "handed", so the modeler is cautioned not to open up the bags and mix things up prior to assembly; as an added bit of help, each side's links are a slightly different color of gray styrene. Being "Magic Tracks", they have no sprue attachment points, which is a definite time saver since no cutting or clean-up in that regard is required. Each has a pair of extremely faint ejector pin marks on the inner face. These can be ignored or erased as the modeler sees fit. They fit together easily but quite loosely, and must be fixed together with glue prior to handling.

Suspension System.

The road-wheels are conventionally molded in inner and outer pieces, with integral rubber tires. The outer faces of the wheel hubs feature perforations and weld beads where appropriate, while the tires have a facsimile of the manufacturer's logo (Continenta"U") on their rims. On the inner faces, the pins (or tubes?) that helped join the wheel halves together are molded on (for the first time in styrene) providing an unprecedented level of detail in this regard. Spare road wheels and spare track pins are also given for stowage. The return rollers are in two parts (inner and outer halves).

The drive sprockets come as conventional inner and outer pieces and are completely detailed. The idler wheels are also in inner and outer parts, but feature separate hubs as well as etched brass inner rings. The idler wheels also have a separate axle arm that can be adjusted for fit. The modeler is advised not to glue it in place on the hull until the fit and sag of the tracks have been worked out.

Separate internal torsion bars are given as are beautifully-detailed separate external swing arms. This will allow the suspension to be fixed in an articulated fashion if the modeler desires to place his work on a base with irregular terrain; to do so, simply cut off the pins that protrude from the hull sides, which are there in case the modeler wants a level, fixed suspension. Bump stops, slide-molded shock absorbers and final drive housings (as well as mounting plates for the latter, which have the holes for tow hooks) are also separate parts

Hull.

The main part of the hull comes from a slide-mold so it is fully detailed on all faces. This includes mounts for the road-wheel torsion bar/swing arm units, idler wheel mount, bump stops and shock absorbers, as well as the various bolted strips that connected the hull to the superstructure. Weld seams and weld beads are also present. The belly has drain plug and access plate detail molded in place, plus bolt and rivet heads, as well as weld beads.

The bow plate is separate and its configuration represents the base armor of 50mm; the design will easily allow DML to produce a kit with the later base armor of 80mm. To this base armor is added the bolted 30mm plate, which has crisply-rendered nut and bolt heads that are all at different individual angles. The latter is certainly a nice touch. The hull rear plate is composed of many separate parts including one version of the exhaust deflector (not of the configuration in cited drawings, but seen in photos in reference 12), spacer plates, various access covers, tow points and exhaust pipe/muffler assemblies. These last come with opened pipe ends and separate mounts. Finally, an etched brass screen is provided to be placed under the superstructure over-hang.

The separate glacis plate also depicts the type with a 50mm armor basis and also has a separate part to depict the bolted-on 30mm applique plate. On this is mounted a three-piece Notek black-out driving head-lamp, stem and base. The split-style final drive/brake drum access hatch lids are all separate parts and feature separate locking levers. Again, this design will allow for earlier or later versions of the Sturmgeschutz III to be produced by DML, simply by swapping parts.

Separate fenders are provided, with the main parts being detailed on the top and bottom surfaces; neither is marred by ejector pin marks. There are a number of styrene and etched brass parts added to these main parts so that all braces, etc. can be depicted in great detail. Most of the tools, as well as the five-part jack, two-part, slide-molded jack block, tow cable mounts, end-loops and brackets (with wound metal wire for the cables), fire extinguisher and two-part convoy tail-lamp are attached to the fenders. The tools have nice clasp details, while the tow cable mounts and jack mounts are separate parts. A number of small wing-nuts are given to detail these items and the end result is bound to be most impressive.

Superstructure.

The engine deck is a separate part and is configured much like the original; the entire assembly can be left off to depict an engine change. Coming from a slide mold, it has details on all faces including various styles of plate and weld detail as well as attachment flanges and bolt heads. It is of the type that was not inter-locked along the top side edges. The four hatch lids are separate parts, with proper coaming detail around the hatch openings. The air cooling cowls that surmount the hatch lids are separate parts as are their mounts. A separate tool box as well as gun tube bore swabs and staffs are also mounted here. The latter includes fine separate bracket detail, while more tools are mounted on the side walls.

At the side are proper air intake vents, with the correct means of attachment to the walls, including their internal openings. These are topped by etched brass screens, and detailed with, among other items, lift hooks.

The casemate is also configured as a separate part and attaches much like the original. It comes from a slide-mold and features excellent weld and panel details, mounting strips and bolt heads, all molded in place. Separate parts are provided for the side lift rings, rear antennae mounts and flexible rubber bases (but no rod antennae), spare track rack (including separate wing-nuts) and cover for the exhaust fan. At the forward edge of the casemate, there are two banks of three smoke grenade dischargers, These are multi-part affairs that include a choice of loaded or empty tubes, complete with the notches at their bore ends.

The roof plate is separate and has fine recessed screw head details around its edges, as well as hinge, weld and panel details, all molded on. Separate parts for the loader's gun shield (complete with an excellent slide-molded, multi-part "Gen2" MG34) are provided, as well as for his hatch's lids. The commander's cupola is a multi-part affair with clear periscope heads and clear scissors telescope. The separate hatch lid for it is a multi-part affair that includes separate locking latches and rubber bump stop. Up front there are separate armor plates as well as movable driver's view port cover (with the internal glass block represented in clear styrene); it is complimented by a separate splash plate.

The gun mantlet is the welded/bolted type; it comes from a slide-mold and is completely detailed with proper weld beads and bolts. The gun tube is a single part with a slight seam that will need to be cleaned up; for this I recommend the classic "Flex-I-File". The slide-molded muzzle brake is a three-part affair and includes the internal lug and external locking nut. The separate collar, where the gun tube enters the mantlet is exquisitely-rendered to include counter-sunk screw heads.

Interior.

Internally, the 7.5cm StuK40 main gun is complimented by an almost totally complete mount. This includes cradle, recoil cylinders, mount, traverse and elevation hand-wheels, gunner's seat, multi-part breech block, sight mounts and clear Sfl.Z.F.1a gun sight. This entire item mounts over the drive shaft tunnel, which in turn, is attached to the floor plate. A bulkhead/engine firewall unit encloses the compartment at the rear. Above that is the inner works of the exhaust fan, which includes a separate fan blade unit. There is also a commander's seat.

Separate inner sponson units are detailed with various radio sets along with some of their ancillary accessories. To these are fitted separate mounting racks. Enough equipment is given to create a command vehicle. There is much missing here, but some of it is standard equipment such as head-phone boxes, gas mask canisters, MP40 and ammunition magazine containers. Many modelers will have these in their spares box. Major items such as ammunition boxes, the entire driver's compartment, some vents and pipes will have to be scratch-built or sourced from the after-market industry. That is, of course, if the modeler wants to go the "extra mile".

Molding, Fit and Engineering.

Like many of their recent new-tool kits, DML's designers have gone to great lengths to provide a level of detail on the styrene parts not often previously seen. Although not a new technique (it is as old as injection-molding), "slide-molds" have been used in a very intelligent way either to allow for better detail rendition, or for ease of assembly. On visible surfaces, not a single ejector pin mark was found and there was no shrinkage of any kind. Fit of major parts was excellent and mold seams were faint and easily dealt with. As usual, the road-wheels and return rollers will require the most effort to clean, since there are 24 of the former and 12 of the latter; all have seams around their middles as well as sprue attachment points.

Accuracy.

As far as I could tell, using the scale drawings in reference 1 and 2, this kit is extremely accurate in its major dimensions, shapes and angles. Often, things come to light at a later date, or another person will see something I missed; that's why there are multiple reviews of the same kit by different persons. So, stay tuned…

In the area of omissions I noted the following that would be of concern to me personally: no rod antennae are provided, there is no ammunition magazine for the loader's external MG34, and no spent shell case bag is given for beneath the StuK40 main gun. Much like the Panther Ausf.G "Smart Kit", no Schurzen or hangers are present; perhaps (again like the Panther Ausf.G) a Cyberhobby upgrade is in development, but I have no sure information regarding such. It would have been nice if the cover for the Sfl.Z.F.1a gun sight was a separate part so it could slide when the gun was traversed, and the sight moved with it.

Since a partial interior is given, I suppose modelers may get excited and then wonder why DML did not go "all the way". I would hope that the after-market folks see this as a potential area of exploitation and act upon it.

Decals and Markings Information.

The decals are the usual excellent Italian product from Cartograf. They are crisp, in register and have thin, closely-cropped carrier film. Markings for five assault guns are given as follows:

" SS-StuG.Abt.2, 2.SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Das Reich", Russia 1943.
" SS-StuG.Abt.3, 3.SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Totenkopf", Russia 1944.
" Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Grosdeutschland", Russia 1943.
" Soviet 1288 Self-Propelled Gun Regiment, Ukraine 1944.
" Unidentified unit, Russia 1944.

One would think that with all the references I list below, that I'd be able to confirm the markings given; this is not the case! I found some photos that were close to what's given, but nothing specific. I could not find anything on the captured Soviet machine, other than a more garishly-marked one in reference 11. In addition, there seems to be some confusion in the placement instructions, especially regarding variations for the "Grosdeutschland" machine. Decal design number 3 is a mystery to me, and it is not shown in the placement instructions. It is broadly similar to the "ArtilleriemLehr" school insignia or the Zvb.288 insignia (but yet very different); my best guess is that it belongs to the "Reichsfuhrer Der SS Heinrich Himmler" division. As per convention, the two Waffen-SS units are not listed as such (I have listed them here as they should be, not as they actually are in the instructions), probably due to concerns with European laws.

On the other hand, there are many, many interesting and well-documented markings schemes out there for those who wish to go that route.

Instructions.

These are in the conventional drawn style and except for the markings placement info, appear to be well-done. As usual, they are busy. But since the kit only builds one version, they are less confusing than might have been the case.

Conclusion.

Over the years, the StuG.III-series has been given wide coverage from styrene kit manufacturers in most of the major scales. As time passed, older toolings were superceded by newer kits, as may well happen here. But, until that time comes, this is THE ultimate rendition. Fans of this uniquely-German AFV should be quite happy indeed; I certainly am.

Highly recommended.

Frank V. "Curley the Stooge" De Sisto

References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to:

1. "Sturmgeschutz, s.PaK to Sturmmorser", Panzer Tracts No.8, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
2. "Sturmgeschutz and its Variants", Speilberger Series Vol.II, Schiffer, by W. Spielberger.
3. "Sturmgeschutz III & IV 1942-45", Osprey New Vanguard 37, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
4. "Sturmartillerie & Panzerjager 1939-1945", Osprey New Vanguard 34, by B. Perrett.
5. "The Sturmgeschutze in World War II 1939-1945", a Photo Chronicle", Schiffer, by W. Fleischer & R. Eiermann.
6. "Sturmgeschutz Vor!", Fedorowicz, by F. Kurowski.
7. "7,000 Kilometers in a Sturmgeschutz", Fedorowicz, by H. Engel.
8. "Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition", by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz.
9. "Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS", Fedorowicz, by W. Fey.
10. "Michael Wittmann and the Tiger Commanders of the Leibstandarte", Fedorowicz, by P. Agte.
11. "The Eastern Front, Armor Camouflage and Markings 1941-45", Squadron 6102, by S. Zaloga & J. Grandsen.
12. "Sturmgeschutz III", Squadron Armor in Action 14, by B. Culver.
13. "Sturmgeschutz III Ausf.G", Squadron Walk Around 5702, by T. Cockle.
14. "Panzer Colors III", Squadron 6253, by B. Culver
15. "Sturmartillerie", Aero Armor 3, by W. Spielberger & U. Feist.
16. "StuG.III", Sturm & Drang 2.
17. "Sturmgeschutz III, StuG.IV & s.IG33, Achtung Panzer 5, by M. Bitoh, H. Kitamura, T. Namie & S. Hards.
18. "StuG.III w Miniaturie", Kagero 35001, by G. Parada & S. Jablonski.
19. "StuG w Akcji", Armagedon, by A. Majewski.
20. "Sturmgeschutz III", Miltar's Kits Hors Serie 3, by V. Deygas & A. Milesi.
21. "Modelling the Sturmgeschutz III", Osprey Modelling 22, by G. Edmundson.

Reviewer's note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to DML. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.

DML kits are available from retail and mail-order sources. For information and images see their web-site at: www.dragon-models.com.

Delete abwehrabwehr from email address

- Frank V. "Curley the Stooge" De Sisto