Preview: Another StuG.III G in 16th scale? Monochromes' new kit coming in November...

Who would have thought it? ANOTHER 1/16th scale StuG III Ausf.G coming to the market? Monochrome from China has produced their own kit version of this WWII German stalwart and it is expected in November. Metal barrel, cable, 1300 parts, 5 decal choices. See what this kit features in our preview...

Preview: Another StuG G in 16th scale? Monochromes' new kit coming in November...

StuG III Ausf.G / Sturmgeschütz III / Sd.Kfz. 142

From Monochrome

1/16th scale

Kit No #MCT933

Five marking choices inside the kit

Overall length 420.5mm / Overall width 204.6mm

Approximately 1300 parts, plastic, clear, photo-etch & wire cable.

Expected Price ¥ 13,024 Yen / $162.50 AUD / $120 USD

This kit is already available for presale from Hobbylink Japan at this link

The Subject: The StuG III Ausf.G / Sturmgeschütz III / Sd.Kfz. 142

Sturmgeschütz (or StuG) meaning "assault gun" was a simple derivative of the Panzer III signed for infantry support, but it ended as one of the most important German vehicles of WWII. With its low profile form and its relatively low cost, it was the real warhorse of the Wehrmacht, shifting from a close support vehicle to a tank-hunter, soldiering without interruption anywhere from North Africa to Europe and Russia. The crews loved it because of its low profile and good armour, and the infantry it was supporting was grateful for its firepower and availability.

The Ausführung G model stood apart from the other production versions. It was, in essence, the main production run for the entire StuG series, with more than 8400 rolling of the line from December 1942 to April 1945, equivalent to the total production of all Panzer IV types combined. 

Simplification and standardization helped to further reduce costs and delays. The main superstructure was simplified. The side sloped armoured boxes were eliminated, and the casemate sides were extended half through the mudguard width. This extra storage allowed to store even more rounds. The engine/fighting compartment rear wall was strengthened, the ventilation fan relocated further back and appliqué armour was standardized. Furthermore, the upper MG 34 was factory-fitted, protected by a guard for the operator's protection.

A Finnish StuG III Ausf. G (June 1944)

By March 1943, simplification pushed to drop the driver’s periscope. Metal return rollers were also required due to the lack of rubber. The main gun was unchanged, and in June 1944, it received a coaxial MG 34. Another big change was the adoption of a rotating cupola with periscopes, later replaced by a fixed, welded one, because of the sudden shortage of ball bearings. These had shot deflectors generalized by February 1944. Zimmerit anti-magnetic coating was factory applied for just a year, from September 1943 to September 1944.

The kit from Monochrome
A few CAD drawings were released detailing the features of this kit.  You can see where the photo etch will be used on the brackets and handles. Clear parts for periscopes etc. The interior of the tank has been reproduced to a minimum standard, and the hatches can all be opened or closed.

The kit features a metal 75mm gun, single part tracks with pins, also the mech covered mudguards are shown here. Photo-etched parts and metal wire parts for tow rope are included.

The photo-etch sheet and the decal plan to go along with the kit. Very simple decal sheet which could really do with some more markings. Anyone can make a kit with simple German crosses.

The decals are included with the 3rd SS Panzer Division (during Operation Kursk) and 4 other types. Below you can see four of the five marking choices provided. As I mentioned, most of these do not really have any decal markings to them apart from the German cross and a few numbers and symbols...

Expected in November, this kit is already available for presale from Hobbylink Japan at this link