Updated preview: More detail emerges of MiniArt's second StuG III Ausf.G...
StuG III Ausf.G Feb 1943 Alkett Prod.
From MiniArt
Kit No #35336
1/35th scale
The kit contains five marking choices in the box.
Photo-etch & clear parts are included
The Ausführung G 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. This tremendous effort was due to a complete reorganization (by Albert Speer) of the production, spread between other manufacturers like MIAG (in 1943) and many suppliers. This was done in order to avoid disruptions caused by the increasingly efficient Allied bombing campaigns. It was, of course, further increased by the gradual replacement of the Panzer III with the StuG III on the same production lines.
Some Alkett produced StuG III Ausf.G's
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 squared mask.
By March 1943, simplification pushed to drop the driver’s periscope. Metal return rollers were also required due to the lack of rubber. Rubber saving road wheels had been already tested briefly in November 1942, but not adopted.
Alkett Production in 1943
By May 1943, Alkett started fitting Schurzen (spaced armoured side skirts) to the tanks, but it was rushed out, and the fixations were later proven inadequate at Kursk (this was corrected in March 1944). 80 mm (3.15 in) armour plates were used instead of appliqué armour.
In all, Alkett was responsible for delivering 7500 StuGs, while MIAG built 2586. Alkett also carried out the conversion of 173 older Panzer IIIs to the StuG III Ausf.G standard, and 142 were based on the late Panzer III Ausf.M chassis.
This is the second in the new StuG Ausf.G series from MiniArt. As opposed to the first kit in the series (#35335) this kit does NOT feature an interior, so for those wanting more time to paint and make other models this is perfect.
However, like the sister full interior kit - this kit also includes tow cables, tools and equipment for the exterior of the tank, hatches that can be posed opened or closed, clear parts are provided for the pericopes & individual track links are included.
We look at the CAD plans of the sprues now...
The checker plate for the side guards is correct for this version...
The barrel and the front mantlet for the earlier StuGs is present.
Pioneer tools, cable loops, gun cleaning rods, jacks, fire extinguishers and towing hooks are here on these two sprues
Photo-etch and a decal sheet for five marking options are included in the kit.
This kit should be available in February. See more about all of MiniArt's kits on their website...
New MiniArt Kits Available January 2022
