Takom's new StuH 42 & StuG III Ausf.G Mid Production 2 in 1 w/stowage in 1/35th scale...

With a bunch of extra material being a selling point in a crowded market, Takom aren't pulling punches with their latest 2 in 1 release of the StuH 42 & StuG III Ausf.G Mid Production kit in 1/35th scale. We look at what to expect in our preview...

A new StuH 42 & StuG III Ausf.G Mid Production 2 in 1 w/ stowage in 1/35th scale from Takom

StuH42 & StuG III Ausf. G Mid Production 2 in 1 w/ stowage

From Takom

Kit #8017

The Subject: The StuH 42 Ausf.G Mid Prod. Jul-Oct 1943
The StuH 42, SdKfz 142/2, or Sturmhaubitze 42 (StuH: Sturmhaubitze (assault howitzer) was a self-propelled gun that was used by Germany during World War II. Only about 1,300 StuH 42s were produced and were based on the StuG III F/8 and G models. The StuH 42 was first developed in 1942 when the need for an anti-infantry support vehicle was needed and the production of StuGs was in full force.

Loading ammo into a StuH 42 with Topfblende (Saukopf) mantlet.

The projectiles are Sprenggranaten (HE).

It only seemed logical to convert this already battle-tested and readily available chassis into a specialist vehicle and because of the fact that many features were carried over, development time was cut short just in time for the Battle of Kursk where around seventy StuHs fought. They continued in both the Western and Eastern Fronts until the end of the war. In the end, around 1,200 were produced.

The Subject: Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G Alkett Prod. October 1943

The StuG Ausf.G entered production in December, 1942 and remained in production until March/April, 1945. It was the most numerous from all Sturmgeschütz III, and some 7893 were produced by Alkett (Altmaerkische Kettenfabrik GmbH) and MIAG (Muehlenbau-und-Industrie AG). Production reached its peak when in 1944, 4013 Ausf Gs left factories. Alkett produced over 5000 Ausf, while MIAG began production in March 1943 and produced some 3000 vehicles. The Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G's modifications included the introduction of 80mm cast Saukopf (also known as Topfblende) mantlet in February, 1944; the coaxial MG in early 1944, installation of Nahverteidigungswaffe (90mm NbK 39 close-in defense weapon) and roof mounted remote controlled MG (Rundum Feuer) in late spring of 1944. In addition, vehicles produced since January, 1943 had the fighting compartment fan mounted on the rear superstructure wall instead of the roof. 

The Topfblende/Saukopf mantlet:

From October 1943, some Ausf.G versions were fitted with the Topfblende pot mantlet (often called Saukopf "Pig's head") with or without a coaxial mount. This cast mantlet, which had a sloped and rounded shape, was more effective at deflecting shots than the original boxy Kastenblende mantlet that had armour varying in thickness from 45 mm to 50 mm. The lack of large castings meant that the trapezoid-shape boxy mantlet was still also produced until the very end. Topfblende were fitted almost exclusively to Alkett-produced vehicles.

The Kit:

The StuH42 & StuG III Ausf.G Mid Production 2 in 1 w/stowage in 1/35th scale from Takom (kit No 8017) has been long coming, and this one indeed, comes with some surprises. The bar has been lifted it seems!

The choice of metal guns and the photo-etch parts are shown here in the options

The kit features the link and length tracks that we are used to with Takom's Blitz kit range. 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 for either the StuH42 & StuG III Ausf.G . There are four marking choices included in the box for you to choose from.

A CAD drawing showing the stowage placed on this kit.

The stowage in this kit - lots to choose from

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.