I’m fresh off my Befehlswagen build and itching to start another build. I’ve chosen the Cyber-hobby StuG III G with deep-wading muffler out of my stash. It was tied for next in line with Bodo Spranz’s StuG. It has marking for 1 unidentified unit, 1 Feldernhalle and two different mounts from the 16th SS. The only painting options are monotone dark yellow.
I started the suspension bits today. The only other StuG I’ve built is Dragon’s old Ausf A. The level of detail and options is amazing. The suspension can be set to whatever level of articulation that you want. It does also have locating pins so youi can set the suspension level with ease. That’s a great help. I glued the arms to the torsion bars so they would be easier to place in the hull. Make sure the arms and torsion bars are glued throughly becasue you could easily snap them off.
The lower hull with all suspension parts attached.
An overhead view of the torsion bars in the hull. The interior floor fits over most of the bars and the rest will be hidden from view by the engine deck and frontal armor.
Thats as far as I’ve gotten today. May work more tonight if I find the time. Thanks for looking.
All of the “Smart Kit” line of Pz III vehicles feature the torsion bar arrangement as they share a common hull/suspension design originally brought out in the StuG III G and the Pz III J. [;)]
I got some work done tonight on the StuG. The level of detail on this kit amazes me. It’s the newest Dragon I’ve built. It’s the first that has seperate hinges on the engine doors, and the weld detail looks fantastic. I’m loving it even it if means a more complicated build. I’ve built older Dragons and they’ve been super deatiled too but there is something about this one. Some things though just make you laugh. They make you ask “Dragon, what were you thinking?” Take the cabin ventilator fan unit for example. They give a piece that looks like fan blades, but this piece is wedged betwen the interior opening and the exterior armor covering. There is no way you could ever see the fan blade detail. Anyway, on to the pics.
The rear armor and other bits are glued. Going to work on exhaust fittings tomorrow. I’m still deciding if I want to attach the wading muffler now and then paint it our vise versa.
Also got some work done on the supper structure. I attached the bolt on armor, driver’s visor, smoke launcher, and other random parts.
The bolt and weld detail.[:O]
Here is the fan I was talking about. I’m surprised the grill isn’t PE.
The fan blade detail is under that armor plate. There is no way you could ever see it.
The last part I worked on was the engine deck. The multi piece hinges really aren’t needed and look exactly like the hinges on the StuG A I have that was molded in the early 90’s.
Does anyone have interior pictures of a StuG III G or more specifically the radio units? The radio units are included in the kit but they are the most detailed bits in the interior. There is not a transmission or even a drivers station. Kinda of strange considering all extra detail.
Looks like your kits going together like a dream so far.[tup] I wish my Zvezda kit went together like that, but instead I get a nightmare. The ejector pin marks seem to be reproducing.[:O] AHHH!
Terry a nice guy from Ireland gave me the link for my Stug build. It was very helpful. I am building an F but I want to build a G as well they are so cool!
Making some good progress on this one! Some of the included details are there just so DML can say they are there I think…and to provide the potential option, should you wish it, to show a diorama setting where the armored fan cover is removed I guess! [(-D] As for the hinges, that actually makes sense given the fact that some would like to put in an engine and show the hatches open…you can do that more easily with the multi-part hinges vs. the fixed closed hinges that DML provided in their earlier kits. With the older parts, major surgery and/or full replacement were your only options if you wanted to include and display the engine compartment. [;)]
That’s a good point bill. I never tought about modelers building it with the hatches open. I forgive Dragon for the two part hinges now lol.
Before I went to work today I attached the side air intakes to the rear deck. The PE grills look very nice! The detail is very elaborate. I also started the radio sets. I’ll post more pictures tonight. Specter and another friend of mine are coming over and we’re going to have a modeling marathon. I hope to get a lot done.
I’ve got some work done in the past few days. The interior is complete and painted, and engine deck is complete. I’ve never built an interior as detailed as this one. What is everyone’s favorite weathering method?
The paint on the interior is drying and I will post pics of it later.
Erik
EDIT: I took these pics a few days ago but haven’t found time to post them until now.
I’m working on assembling the major sub-assembles right now. The road wheels, return rollers, sprockets, and idler wheels are all complete as well. Look for pics tomorrow.
I used a sponge(actually a piece of foam) and tamiya metallic gray. I just dabbed it in areas that would be scratched.
The major sub-assembles have be glued together. I’ve started working on the tracks. I haven’t used magic tracks for a few builds and I’ve forgotten how much I love working with them.
EDIT: Well, I’ve already got one side of tracks assembled. I love magic tracks! Have I mentioned that yet? Here are a couple of tease shots. I think these tracks are probably my best yet.
Sorry for the lack of updates. I’ve kinda forgoten to take pics. Everything is painted and assembled now except for the tools. Decals are set. Everything is done except for weathering, tool placement and random detail bits. Here is how it sits now. I plan on staying up until I finish it.
