1:35 Stug.III G return rollers Alkett late, for one vehicle, Dragon kits

Return rollers of the late StuG III Ausf. G

The assault gun built on the chassis of the Pz.Kpfw. III became the most numerously produced German tracked fighting vehicle. The Ausf. G version was built from the end of 1942 and Alkett of Berlin delivered most of them; its later batches differ from the earlier vehicles in a range of small things that only someone who gives a model time will notice.

The running gear carries three upper rollers on each side, over which the upper run of the track returns. In an injection mold this detail tends to be simplified in shape because of the parting line, and yet it is clearly visible from the side, that is from the view from which almost everyone looks a vehicle over. The set is measured for one vehicle and replaces the original parts.

Before you fit the rollers

• Check whether the pin on the hull matches the hole in the new part, and widen it carefully if need be.
• Both sides belong at the same height, or the upper run of the track will wave.
• The metal wore into a bright strip exactly where the track rides.
• Dust holds mainly on the lower edge and around the pin.

The replacement pays off especially on vehicles with exposed running gear, that is without the side armor skirts. There the view of the trio of rollers is unobstructed, and the difference between a simplified and a faithfully shaped part decides the impression of the whole side wall. Remove the remains of the casting block with a file only after the paint on the surrounding parts has dried, so that the filings do not catch in a damp surface.