1:48 Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G early

Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G, early (1:48, Tamiya)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German StuG III assault gun in the Ausf.G version in its early form, in 1:48 scale from the Military Miniature series by Tamiya. The model captures the self-propelled gun built on the chassis of the Panzer III tank with a low, well armored turretless superstructure and the long 7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48 gun. The lower hull is designed with the weight of the model in mind, and assembled tracks and marking options are included. Check the exact contents against the instructions in the box.

The real subject

The Sturmgeschütz III was the most numerous German tracked fighting vehicle of the Second World War. It originally appeared as infantry support, but with the fitting of a long anti-tank gun it became an effective and cheap vehicle for destroying tanks. The low silhouette without a rotating turret made concealment and defensive fighting easier. The early Ausf.G versions are marked by period details of the superstructure and by production changes introduced as they went along.

Building and painting tips

First assemble and paint the running gear and the lower hull before you close the hull up. Glue the parts with a thin modeling cement for plastic. Apply a primer and the colors with an airbrush, and put the decals on over a gloss clear coat. Bring out the panel detail with a wash and finish the surface with mud and dust effects in pigments. The low superstructure comes into its own with discreet weathering.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of German armor of the Second World War
• Anyone interested in assault guns and self-propelled vehicles on the Panzer III chassis
• Modelers who will appreciate the detailed 1:48 scale
• Builders of dioramas of the Eastern as well as the Western Front

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.