1:35 StuH III topfblende mantlet with StuG42 howitzer (double baffle muzzle brake)

What the set contains

The set replaces the two most conspicuous parts of the front of the superstructure: the howitzer barrel ending in a double-baffle muzzle brake and the pot-shaped front cover of the barrel, which is called the Topfblende. The barrel is turned, so it has an exact circular section along its whole length and does not have to be laboriously trued up.

Why the barrel is replaced

Plastic barrels tend to be split into halves. Once glued, excess material is left along the whole length, which has to be sanded down, and in sanding it is easy to lose both the roundness and the fine relief at the muzzle. With a replacement part this work falls away and the barrel stays straight even once the muzzle brake is fitted, which is visible on a finished model at first glance.

Fitting

First try the parts dry. Cut the barrel off the kit according to the instructions, true the mating surface and, if need be, carefully open the hole up so that the new part beds in without pressure. Glue the metal barrel with cyanoacrylate or two-part adhesive, as cement for polystyrene will not hold on it; with the other parts of the set, go by the material they are made of. Before the glue sets, check the position of the barrel from the front as well as from above, so that it does not point to one side. Before painting, wash the parts, degrease them and use a primer.

• a howitzer barrel with a double-baffle muzzle brake, 1:35 scale
• the pot-shaped front cover of the barrel, the Topfblende
• a turned part with an exact circular section
• glued with cyanoacrylate or two-part adhesive
• degreasing and a primer are necessary 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.