Plastic model kit from RYE FIELD MODELS for the assembly of a German StuG. III Ausf. G Early Production with workable track links of WW II, in 1/35 scale.
Plastic model kit from RYE FIELD MODELS for the assembly of a German StuG. III Ausf. G Early Production with workable track links of WW II, in 1/35 scale. Includes sprues with plastic parts, assembly instructions, clear parts, P.E. parts and decals.
The Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) assault gun was Germany's most-produced fully tracked armoured fighting vehicle during World War II, and second-most produced German armored combat vehicle of any type after the Sd.Kfz. 251 half-track. It was built on a slightly modified Panzer III chassis, replacing the turret with an armored, fixed superstructure mounting a more powerful gun. Initially intended as a mobile assault gun for direct-fire support for infantry, the StuG III was continually modified, and much like the later Jagdpanzer vehicles, was employed as a tank destroyer. StuG III Ausf. G (Sd.Kfz. 142/1) was built from December 1942 until April 1945 and 8,423 units produced.It was the final and by far the most common of the StuG series. Upper superstructure was widened: welded boxes on either side were abandoned. This new superstructure design increased its height to 2160 mm. The back wall of the fighting compartment got straightened, and the ventilation fan on top of the superstructure was relocated to the back of the fighting compartment. From March 1943, the driver's periscope was abandoned. In February 1943, Alkett was joined by MIAG as a second manufacturer. From May 1943, side hull spaced armour plates (Schürzen) were fitted to G models; these were primarily intended for protection against Russian anti-tank rifles, but were also useful against hollow-charge ammunition. Side plates were retro-fitted to some Ausf. F/8 models, as they were to be fitted to all front line StuGs and other tanks by June 1943 in preparation for the battle of Kursk. Mountings for the Schürzen proved to be inadequate, as many were lost in the field. From March 1944, an improved mounting was introduced; as a result, side skirts are seen more often with late model Ausf G. From May 1943, 80 mm thick plates were used for frontal armour instead of two plates of 50 mm + 30 mm. However, a backlog of StuGs with completed 50 mm armour existed. For those, a 30 mm additional armour plate still had to be welded or bolted on until October 1943.
- Scale
- 1/35
- Era
- WWII
- Nationality
- Germany