Hi folks, I’m returning to modelling after a long hiatus.
I have a built 1/35 STuH42 Ausf G 105mm. I also found in my stash a Lion Roar 7.5 L43 gun. I’m thinking about a project to repaint the vehicle and replace the 105 with the L43.
Now my research indicates that the L43 was initially loaded on the Ausf F before upgrading to the longer L48. The Ausf G appears to be standard with L48. Now I’m wondering if it’s possible there were some G models with L43 guns. Some sites say it’s possible others say from F8 models and later all were L48. Does anyone have any other views on this? Were there any other differences between the STuH42 and STuG III G that would make such a conversion inaccurate?
ok thanks everyone
Francis
Wollongong Australia
Welcome Francis. I’m no expert, but it seems to me like all Ausf Gs had the L48, unless maybe a L43 was installed as a field modification. But I’m not sure.
Hi thanks. Yes looks like the standard for Ausf G was the L48. So for me I suppose it would have to be a field mod, where a new gun is required on an Ausf G and the only thing available in the field depot is an L43 from a salvaged Ausf F. Did this ever happen?..Possibly. But not for sure. There were a lot more L48s and Ausf Gs built. The L43 was more an interim gun for the early Ausf Fs. So not as many built. So might have to leave the 105 derp on it. I just like the look of the long guns…(that’s what she said)
StuG III Ausf. F : (Sd.Kfz 142/1; March–September 1942, 366 produced)
March-May 7.5 cm StuK 40/43 gun
June-September 7.5 cm StuK 40/48 gun
The difference in length is about 13” - in 1/35 scale about 3/8”
So considering there were probably less than 200 made with the shorter gun, it’s unlikely that an Ausf. G would have the shorter gun even as a refit. Also consider that there might be an issue with gun mounting differences and possibly ammo storage within the vehicle.
Somewhere around 1300 Sturmhaubitze 42 L/28 (10.5cm StuH 42 L/28) were produced with over 95% being Ausf. G versions.
No real differences between the 7.5 and 10.5 armed Ausf. G, except for internal storage and the exterior gun mount. The opening for the barrel would obviously be much larger for the larger gun.
All data above may vary slightly depending on sources used
All that said, it is your model and always your choice.