The StuG III Ausf. A armed with 7.5cm StuK37 L/24 gun was the first of this prodigious series of vehicles with 30 being built from January 1940 and seeing action for the first time in the Battle of France. Our model consists of only 2 pieces but captures superbly every detail of this Assault Gun.
The C/D variants were externally identical and were introduced from May 1941 with a combined production of 200 being built. These vehicles were used to replace the losses of 1941 on the Eastern Front. Three Ausf. Ds were also sent to North Africa in early 1942 and these took part in the capture of Tobruk. This model comprises a one-piece casting of the hull plus a length of spare track! TIP: To reproduce the track sag shown on our unpainted model, either immerse the track into hot water or using a hair dryer, soften the casting then reshape as desired. Do not use a naked flame.
Following their experiences in Russia it was decided to fit the long barrelled 75mm L/43 gun in order to combat the KV-1 and T34. Externally similar to the Ausf. E, the upper superstructure was modified to accomodate the external fan required to remove the gun fumes for the new StuK40 gun. A total of 359 were produced from March 1942 and used on the Eastern Front.
Further to the introduction of the Ausf. F with the L/43 gun, the F/8 followed in September 1942 with the longer L/48 gun on a completely new designed hull. A total of 334 of this design were produced and supplied as replacements for losses on the Eastern Front. However, the F/8 was also supplied new to the LAH, Das Reich, Totenkopf and Grossdeutschland Divisions. Our kit consists of just 5 parts including the hull! The illustrated model was painted by Keith Ainslie.
The StuG III Ausf. G was the last production type of these Assault Gun/Tank Destroyers produced on the PzKpfw III chassis with 7,720 produced from December 1942 plus a further 173 converted in 1944 the Panzer III. Our model depicts the last production type on the Ausf. G and as a result does not have Zimmerit but does have the remote-controlled MG and shield combination and on this model the addition of Schurzen Plates.
These heavy assault guns were based on the Ausf. F, F/8 and as in this model, the Ausf. G. hull. The StuH 42/StuH III Ausf. G, armed with the 10.5cm L/23 gun, was externally identical to the StuG III Ausf. G with the obvious exception of the main armament. A combined production of 1,211 were built between October 1942 and February 1945. Our kit depicts an early/mid Ausf. G variant with the saukopf mantlet and a style of improvised armour often seen on the Russian Front in '43-'44. This model consists of only 6 parts including optional muzzle brakes!
