1:35 StuH III topfblende mantlet with StuG42 howitzer

What the set contains

The set replaces the two most prominent parts of the front of the superstructure: the howitzer barrel and the pot-shaped front cover of the barrel, which is called the Topfblende. The barrel is turned, so it has an accurate round section along its whole length and does not have to be laboriously leveled out. The subject is the howitzer version of the StuG III assault gun, given in the literature as the StuH 42, that is the machine that carried a howitzer for firing at field fortifications and infantry instead of an antitank gun.

Why the barrel is replaced

Barrels from kits tend to be split into two halves. After gluing, excess material remains along the whole length that has to be sanded down, and in sanding it is easy to lose both the roundness and the fine relief at the muzzle. A replacement part skips that work and the barrel stays straight and even, which shows at first glance on a finished model, because it is the front of the superstructure that draws the eye most.

Fitting

Try the parts dry first. Cut the original barrel off as the instructions give, level the mating surface and, if needed, widen the opening carefully so that the new part seats without pressure. The parts are not polystyrene and plastic cement does not hold on them, so use super glue or a two-part adhesive. Before the glue sets, check the position of the barrel from the front and from above so that it does not aim off to one side. Wash and degrease the parts before painting and go over them with primer.

• turned howitzer barrel with an accurate round section
• pot-shaped front cover of the barrel, called the Topfblende
• for the model of the howitzer version of the StuG III in 1:35 scale
• glued with super glue or a two-part adhesive
• degreasing and primer are needed before painting

Terms of supply

A replacement barrel with the front cover is supplied. The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.