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Takom heads east with its StuG III Ausf.G With Winterketten Early Production in 35th scale...
StuG III Ausf.G With Winterketten Early Production
From Takom
Kit No 8010
1/35th scale
Plastic kit with metal barrel included
Photo Etch included
The Subject: The StuG III Ausf. G March 1943 Winterketten.
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 applique 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.
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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.
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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.
Winterketten were developed in 1942 for use in winter conditions on the Eastern Front. These were basically a normal track with track extensions that protruded from the ends of the tracks. These are recognizable by the long triangular extensions. These were usually found on the PzKpfw III, PzKpfw IV and StuG III but could also be seen on Hummel, Hornisse and other vehicles.
The Kit from Takom
The Kit from Takom
This kit is basically the same as their early model of the StuG III in 35th scale recently released. It has the extensions to the tracks called "Winterketten" that can be added to the tracks. There is also extra track to add to the rear deck if you like. The metal barrel is included for the main gun, and photo-etched metal parts are also included.
The tracks are link & length, and there will be two marking choices in this kit. We think probably not any Afrika Korps markings will be included! 😄
That is all we have on this one for now - keep tuned for more info on the kit soon...
That is all we know about this release for now. You can see more about Takom's kits on their website or on their Facebook page.