1:35 StuH III topfblende mantlet with StuG42 howitzer (leFH18 muzzle brake)

The real subject

The Sturmhaubitze 42, StuH 42 for short, is the howitzer counterpart of the German StuG III assault gun. On the same chassis and in the same low box superstructure it carries a 10.5 cm howitzer instead of an antitank gun and was meant mainly for infantry support and for destroying fortified positions. The barrel is shorter and stouter than the gun, so the vehicle can be told from the assault gun at first glance. Later machines were given a rounded gun mantlet, known as the Topfblende, which replaced the older angular form.

What the set contains

A replacement rounded gun mantlet in the Topfblende form and a 10.5 cm howitzer barrel ending in a leFH 18 type muzzle brake, both for a model in 1:35 scale. The barrel is a turned part: along its whole length it has an accurate round section and an open muzzle, so both gluing and the leveling of lengthwise production marks are avoided.

Building and painting tips

Cut the original barrel off a little behind the root, level the cut surface and widen the opening in the front of the superstructure carefully with a round file as needed, so that the new part seats without strain. Try the assembly dry and check that the barrel points straight from the side and from above; on a short howitzer barrel a deviation shows more than on a long gun. Glue it with a small amount of super glue. Before painting, wash the parts, degrease them and apply a thin coat of primer. The muzzle brake can be picked out with a darker tone laid on with a dry brush.

• 1:35 scale
• rounded gun mantlet in the Topfblende form
• 10.5 cm howitzer barrel with a leFH 18 type muzzle brake
• turned barrel with an accurate round section
• the matching kit is given in the manufacturer's instructions

Terms of supply

The vehicle kit, paints and glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.