1:35 StuG.III Ausf.G

Photo-etched parts for the StuG III Ausf.G in 1:35 scale

A set of photo-etched metal parts for a model of the German StuG III Ausf.G assault gun. Photo-etching solves what injection-molded plastic by its nature cannot: thin sheets, grilles, eyes and brackets that on the real vehicle are only a few millimeters across but on a model come out as an angular block. A metal part next to it is thin, holds a sharp edge and against the light looks like sheet metal rather than a plastic slab.

The real subject

The StuG III was built on the chassis of the Panzer III tank. It has no rotating turret; the gun is mounted directly in a low fighting superstructure, which made the vehicle cheaper, lower and an inconspicuous target. The Ausf.G version is the last and the most numerous, with the long-barreled 7.5 cm gun. It was deployed until the end of the war and became the most widespread German tracked combat vehicle of all.

Building tips

Cut the parts off with a sharp blade on a hard surface, not with scissors, which bend the metal. Make the bends over the sharp edge of a ruler or in a bending tool, always in one movement, because repeated bending fatigues the metal and the part cracks. Degrease the metal and give it a primer before gluing, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface. It is glued with super glue applied in a minute amount on the tip of a toothpick.

• Photo-etched metal parts in 1:35 scale
• Intended for a StuG III Ausf.G model
• Thin sheets, grilles and brackets instead of heavy plastic
• Bent over the edge of a ruler or in a bending tool
• Degrease the metal and use a primer before painting

The package contains photo-etched metal parts. The kit, paints, glue and tools are not included, unless stated otherwise.