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

The real subject

The Sturmhaubitze 42, StuH 42 for short, was the howitzer counterpart of the StuG III assault gun. On the same chassis and in the same low box superstructure it carried a 10.5 cm howitzer instead of an antitank gun and served mainly for infantry support and for destroying fortified positions. Late machines were given a rounded gun mantlet, known as the Topfblende; it replaced the older angular form and its shape was better for resistance than a flat front face.

What the set contains

A replacement gun mantlet in the Topfblende form and a howitzer barrel ending in a muzzle brake of the final form, both for a model in 1:35 scale. The barrel is a turned part, so it has an accurate round section along its whole length and the cleaning up of lengthwise production marks is avoided. Which kit the set is shaped for is given by the manufacturer in the instructions.

Building and painting tips

Cut the original barrel off a little behind the root, level the surface and widen the opening in the superstructure carefully with a round file as needed, so that the new part seats without strain. Try the set dry before gluing and check that the barrel points straight from the side and from above. Glue it with super glue and use only a little. Before painting, wash the parts, degrease them and apply a thin coat of primer, as without it the paint holds poorly on a smooth surface. On real vehicles the muzzle brake tends to be sooty, and a darker tone laid on with a dry brush looks good on it.

• 1:35 scale
• rounded gun mantlet in the Topfblende form
• 10.5 cm howitzer barrel with a muzzle brake of the final form
• 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.