Takom shed light on its StuG III Ausf.F.8 in Early & Late versions in 35th scale...

Takom's two Stug III Ausf.F8's enter the light in their latest CAD images. We get to see more of the features of the kit and garner some info on the models in our preview...

Takom shed light on its StuG III Ausf.F.8 in Early & Late versions in 35th scale...

 StuG III Ausf.F8 Early & Late kits

From Takom

Kit No 8014 & 8013

1/35th scale

Plastic kit with metal barrel included

Photo Etch included

The Subject: The StuG III Ausf. F/8 Assault Gun.

This German StuG III Sturmgeschütz Ausf.F/8 Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.142/1 is also known as the StuG 40 Ausfuhrug. F/8. the F/8 designation refers to the fact that this version of StuG III Ausf F used the tank chassis ZW/8 (Zugführerwagen version 8) using the hull of a Panzer III tank Ausf J.

A captured StuG III Ausf.F8 late in the hands of the Russians 

The Ausf F model of the StuG III came with the much needed higher velocity 75mm Stu.K 40 L/43 gun that was capable of stopping the new Russian tanks like the T34/85 and the KV-1. It saw the shift in tactical use of the StuG from an infantry support assault gun platform to dedicated tank destroyer. The way to tell the difference between a Ausf F and G is that the Ausf F does not have a large raised Commander's circular cupola. Later versions received an even better gun 75mm Stu.K 40 L/48.

 A StuG III Ausf F8 late at Kharkov in the winter of 1943 with Winterketten

The StuG III Sturmgeschütz Ausf.F/8 Tank Destroyer started to come out of the factory doors in September 1942 and remained in production until December. The factory used the Panzer III Ausf J and L models that had increased rear armour. Additional 30mm of armour was added to the front of the Vehicle. They were all armed with the 75mm Stu.K 40 L/48 gun.

A StuG III Ausf.F/8 early in service in WWII

The Kit from Takom

This kit is the Ausf.F8 version of their popular StuG III kits in 35th scale. Two kits are being offered, the "Early" & the "late" versions of the vehicle.

 StuG III Ausf.F8 Early 

From Takom

Kit No 8013

1/35th scale

Plastic kit with metal barrel included

Photo Etch included

The StuG III Ausf.F8 Early from Takom (kit No 8013) features the link and length tracks that we are used to with Takom's Blitz kit range. The CADs show that the MG that is there for self-protection can either be laid flat with the Mg-34 off, or installed and reay to fire. The complicated mesh that sits on top of the tank has it's own template in plastic so it is simple to bend that fine photo-etch.

The photo-etch is more useful than useless it looks, with the engine grilles and a few other fine attachments added. The choice of a metal barrel is included also in this kit.

 StuG III Ausf.F8 Late

From Takom

Kit No 8014

1/35th scale

Plastic kit with metal barrel included

Photo Etch included

This kit 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. Again we have that helpful template to bend the etch guards and the option for a self defence MG or not.

The metal barrel is included for the main gun, and photo-etched metal parts are also included.

That is all we have on these for now - keep tuned for more info on the kit soon...

You can see more about Takom's kits on their website or on their  Facebook page.