I’m working on a Stug III ausf. G. (Dragon) and trying to decide how to handle the cupola. I’ve got a Squadron/Signal “Walk Around” book that gives me one piece of info stating that there 8 periscopes around the cupola with plexiglas cove, secured with a metal plate and screws. There aren’t any real good photos of the periscopes in an “intact” state.
I’m trying to decide how to simulate or paint these periscopes. (Keep in mind I’m not talking about the Scherenfernrohr 14 scissors periscope)
I’ve looked at pictures of other Stug models and and can’t quite tell what they did with the periscopes other then just paint them dark blue or black??
Thanks
There are many ways to deal with periscopes, so I’ll tell you what I do. I paint the backs of them the same color as the base coat for the vehicle. I paint the glass after weathering with gloss black. The periscopes would be kept clean and under normal circumstances there’d be little or no back lighting for them, so from outside the vehicle they’d appear dark and shiny. Now modern MBT’s with their thermal imagers and what have you are a bit different, but that’s a whole other thread.
Thanks,
Sounds like a good idea.
Now I’m in the process of simulating weld seams…I think it’s going ok.
Best way to do the periscope’s is by using window tint film. It is self adhesive and can be cut to a perfect rectangular shape. By cutting it slightly smaller than the moulded scope you can represent the outside metal plate:
Just go to a place that sells window tint and ask for a sample of their darker tints. One small piece will last for ages, and they usually have plenty of scrap that they can give you.