The Sturmgeschütz III (StuG.III) has the distinction of being Germany’s most widely produced AFV of WWII, with 10,619 eventually manufactured. Based on the chassis of the Panzer III, it was cheaper and faster to build since it did not have a rotating turret. Once German troops began encountering heavily armored Russian tanks, the StuG III Ausf.F was fitted with a longer 7.5cm gun. This marked its first true emergence as a tank destroyer. The further modified Ausf.F/8 was produced from September-December 1942, with 250 vehicles built. It featured a 7.5cm StuK L/48 main gun. The “8” designation came about because it was the eighth update to the Panzer III hull. Special features of later Ausf.F/8 vehicles were 30mm bolted-on armor plates.
Dragon has launched a new 1/35 scale kit of a Late Production variant of the StuG.III F/8. Of special note is that this tank destroyer comes equipped with winter tracks. Dragon released a StuG.III G kit several years ago and it was an instant hit with modelers worldwide. This earlier variant is just as accomplished and is destined to achieve the same legendary status. The kit boasts a brand new fighting compartment to accurately portray this vehicle type. In order to reproduce the irregular shape of the roof, it is assembled from several well-fitting parts. Other new parts include the engine deck and fenders. Even the air intake covers are remodeled to better reflect the type fitted on the Ausf.F/8. Based on the amazing new Winterketten tracks, this StuG.III is ready for winter combat. Modelers will note that, even though the same innovative manufacturing technique is used for these winter tracks, a different pattern is apparent here. Ice cleats are also provided in this gripping kit!
Drie uitvoeringen mogelijk;
- StuG.Brig.901, Kharkov 1943.
- StuG.Brig.901, Kharkov 1942-1943.
- 14.Luftwaffe Felddivision, Norway 1943.
Aantal onderdelen; 800
Features:
- Newly tooled slide-molded engine deck
- Newly tooled upper hull w/weld seam detail
- Newly tooled multi-directional slide-molded superstructure w/bolt detail
- Newly tooled multi-piece upper hull for maximum details
- Newly tooled fenders detail on the surfaces
- Newly designed Winterketten track w/delicate tread pattern and ice-cleats
- New fender supports
- New partern of bottom hull is presented w/details
- StuG.III Ausf.F/8 Later Production w/realistic weld seams
- Gun sight guard basket presented in both plastic and photo-etched version as options
- Photo-etched guard in bird-cage is preformed for easy assembly
- Radio set w/new housing cover
- Upper full w/easy assembly
- Fighting compartment hatches can be open/closed
- Lower hull sides come w/full detail
- Fully detailed hull bottom weld seams
- One-piece slide-molded lower hull w/newly drain hatch details
- Air-intake covers w/mounts are accurately reproduced
- The engine deck cover is realistically presented
- Gun sught and hand wheels are included
- Complete gun mount is represented
- Gun w/full breech assembly
- Gun breech and recoil guard are fully reproduced
- Recoil and recuperator cylinders are accurately represented
- Slide-molded mantlet w/realistic weld seams and internal surface detail
- Chamfer in lower part of mantlet
- Road wheels w/accurate details
- Final drive housing covers are separate parts for maximum detail
- Accurate sprocket wheels
- Idler wheels w/photo-etched parts
- Detailed track tension adjuster
- Steering brake inspection hatch can be modeled open/close
- Air deflector accurately represented
- Photo-etched mesh is included
- Cooling air-intakes are slide-molded
- Photo-etched air-intake grills
- Driver vision port w/clear part
- One-piece driver vision port armor w/nut details
- Floor tread plate pattern accurately recreated
- Injection-molded OVM w/clasps
