Kit, Cyberhobby
6598, StuG.III Ausf.G Initial Production w/Winterketten
CYBERHOBBY
6598, StuG.III Ausf.G Initial Production w/Winterketten. 1/35th-scale injection-molded styrene/multimedia kit. Contains: 421 styrene parts (including 11 clear), two bags of individual-link Magic Tracks, one bag of ice cleats, one photo-etched brass fret, one piece of braided metal wire, three decal/marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 19 steps.
Introduction.
This is Cyberhobbys second variation of the StuG.III Ausf.G as produced from December 1942. It differs from the previous release in that the gunners periscopic sight does not have a movable cover over the roof opening and there are no fittings molded on to the casemate roof plate to fit a shield for the loaders MG34. There is a view-port seen over the drivers left shoulder and there are widened Winterketten (winter tracks) along with their associated Mittelstollen (center ice cleats). Finally, new markings for three assault guns are included.
Tracks.
These come loosely packed in a two bags and are so-called Magic Tracks. They represent the extra-wide Winterketten (winter tracks) with the wings on their outside edges. The track cleat face features ice grips and two notches, while the guide horn is solid. These tracks are 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 sides 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. There is also a bag of Mittelstollen (center ice cleats) to be added to selected links.
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 manufacturers logo (ContinentaU) 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 Osen (eyes) are also separate parts
Hull.
The main part of the hull is based upon the 8.Serie/Z.W. Einfache Panzerwanne (simplified armor hull) as originally seen in DMLs recent StuG.III Ausf.G kits; as such, it lacks the side-wall escape hatches. Another visual change is the simple all-bolted angle-iron hull/superstructure connecting strip, replacing the scalloped, partially welded strip. The hull is produced from a slide-mold so it is fully detailed on all faces. This detail includes mounts for the road-wheel torsion bar/swing arm units, idler wheel mount, bump stops and shock absorber mounts, as well as the various bolted strips that connected the hull to the superstructure. Panel seams and weld beads are also present. The belly has drain plug and access plate detail molded in place, plus bolts and rivet heads, as well as weld beads, where necessary.
The bow plate is separate and its configuration represents the base armor of 50mm. 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, 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.
The upper rear hull plate includes molded-on mounts for the rear towing eyes; the latter are composed of three parts for each pair. A separate dome-shaped access plate is fitted with a multi-part trailer tow coupling. Slide-molded exhaust mufflers as well as separate baffles and a deflector plate finish up the area, while an etched brass screen encloses the area beneath the overhanging Heckpanzer module. A separate intermediary-angled plate connects the rear wall of the hull to the belly plate; it includes weld and access port details molded in place.
Track-Guards and OVM.
Track-guards for this particular version are provided, with the main parts being detailed on the top and bottom surfaces; neither is marred by ejector pin marks. The well-rendered dot-pattern non-skid plates are complimented at one point with an etched brass part that continues the pattern at a right angle where it surrounds the engine cooling air inlet armored cowl. A number of separate parts, including some new, go to make up the fillets where the track-guards met the hull. Alternate etched brass parts are also provided; the afore-mentioned new styrene parts essentially replace them, but they are still included for those so inclined to use them. The watertight Abstandsrucklicht (distance-keeping tail-lamp) mounted at the rear edge of the port-side track-guard is comprised of two parts to include a clear lens. The earlier type, introduced with the Notek system is also provided as a multi-part styrene and etched brass assembly; this is the configuration most likely used on this model; note that the instructions ignore this.
The tools are all separate parts, each of which features nice molded-on clasp and bracket details. A multi-part jack, a two-part, slide-molded jack block and a one-piece fire extinguisher finish the fittings.
Superstructure.
On the StuG.III Ausf.G, the casemate and the Heckpanzer (rear armor) combined to create the Panzerkastenoberteil (superstructure). DML provides these as separate modules, reflecting how the actual assault gun was manufactured.
The Heckpanzer (rear armor) module 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. The four hatch lids are separate parts, with proper coaming detail around the hatch openings, and separate hinges. The armored cowls that surmount the hatch lids are separate parts as are their mounts. Note that the parts that mount the spare wheels are shown installed backwards in the instructions; reverse the order, as per comments seen below. Separate parts for the Heckpanzers lifting hooks are also given for maximum detail fidelity.
The engine cooling air intake vents are provided as separate slide-molded parts; these are topped by etched brass screens and have lift hooks and tools attached where appropriate.
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, which is now on the roof. A hole must be opened from the inside to mount the fan and cover.
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 loaders hatch lids include separate lift handles and latches. The commanders 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 drivers view port cover (with the internal glass block represented in clear styrene); it is complimented by a separate splash plate. Parts are provided for the earlier Sehklappe (view-port) seen in this area.
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, gunners 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 commanders seat.
Separate new 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 and MP40 ammunition magazine containers. Many modelers will have these in their spares box. Major items such as StuK ammunition boxes, the entire drivers compartment, as well as 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, DMLs designers have gone to great lengths to provide a level of detail on the styrene parts not often previously seen. 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.
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. In the area of omissions I noted the following that would be of concern to me personally: no rod antennae are provided and no spent shell case bag is given for beneath the StuK40 main gun.
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 three assault guns are given as follows:
SS-Sturmgeschutz-Abteilung
1, SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division LSSAH, Kharkov, 1943.
Unidentified unit, Ostfront 1943.
Unidentified unit, Ostfront 1943.
The markings for the LSSAH assault gun are well-documented, as are the variations on the unidentified unit. It is quite probable that these assault guns were painted in the 1942 Tropen (tropical) colors, rather than Dunkelgrau or Dunkelgelb base as noted in the instructions. Two of the thgree variations have a winter whitewash applied.
Instructions.
These are in the conventional drawn style and appear to be well-done. As usual, they are busy.
Conclusion.
With this release, modelers who have a desire to replicate this earliest of the Ausf.Gs will be able to do so straight from the box. The addition of the Winterketten and Mittelstollen is a nice touch and it adds variety to the possible finishing options.
- Frank V. De Sisto
Kit Review:
cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 50 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45
Series Kit No. 6598); StuG. III Ausf. G Initial Production w/Winterketten;
711 parts (388 in grey styrene, 288 "Magic Track" links and grousers,
24 etched brass, 10 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); pre-order
price US$50.99 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: another limited run "boutique" kit of an early version
of a popular subject
Disadvantages: verbatim re-pop of Kit No. 49 (DML No. 6602) but with Winterketten
vice the original track set
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all WWII German fans
For some reason beyond my ken DML's faithful sidekick cyber-hobby.com has
released a verbatim repeat of one of its kits from last year, the StuG III
Ausf. G Initial Production, but now has replaced the earlier kitˇ¦s "Magic
Track" set with one of the DML "Winterketten" sets and a new
set of etched brass which adds one part. As such the review of this kit is
pretty much identical to its 2010 predecessor.
As with the original version (No. 6320) the kit comes with many of the accouterments
seen on kits like the DML Tiger I and Panther, starting with individual torsion
bars and road wheel arms as well as all of the external details on the lower
hull such as shocks and bump stops. Each idler wheel consists of five parts
with twin brass inserts between the plastic castings. All wheels are detailed
to the point of having the rubber tire manufacturerˇ¦s data readable!
The brass is provided only for those bits where plastic cannot do the job,
such as the aforementioned wheel rims and the air intake and exhaust grilles
on the engine deck plus some non-slip gridding. All fender details are separate
and go on in subassemblies. In point of fact, most of this model consists
of subassemblies, which is how it gets its tremendous level of details.
The kit comes with a high level of interior parts, including the gun, commanderˇ¦s
cupola assembly, floor, and the radios and stowage racks for various bits
on each side of the casemate. Likewise the engine deck consists of several
subassemblies combined to form the deck. Note that every hatch on this vehicle
can be opened for display of the interior, but there is no engine or transmission
provided.
The kit comes with a set of "Magic Track" single link tracks with
the
ˇ§Winterkettenˇ¨ extensions and a set of grousers for some of the links. As
noted in previous reviews due to the complexity and fragility of these tracks
they are not a good candidate for DS Plastic so DML took the best option to
reproduce them. Grousers are only fitted to a few of the links (about one
in three) as the Germans apparently saw no need to add extra weight to the
vehicle.
Final assembly again has a number of different modules combined into one final
assembly - lower hull, fenders, engine deck, interior, gun barrel, casemate,
and tracks.
Note that there are a couple of errors in the directions and errata sheets
are included in the box.
Development credit for this kit is again given to Thomas Anderson, Tom Cockle
and Gary Edmundson.
Three different finishing options and a targeted Cartograf set of decals provided:
Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front, 1943 (sane with green mottle, black outline
210); same vehicle, winter 1943 (same scheme with whitewash overcoat); Sturmgescheutz
Abt. 1, Kharkov 1943 (grey with whitewash and black crosses).
Overall, again this is another niche or "boutique" version of a
popular kit, but with a total of five cyber-hobby.com and four DML versions
of the Ausf. G kit having been produced one would think they would move on
to the earlier variants (and they already have one F8 and one StuH 42 kits
out as well).
- Cookie Sewell
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