CYBERHOBBY
Product Specifications.
6229, StuG.III Ausf.G auf Fgst. Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M w/ Deep Wading Muffler. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 515 styrene parts (including 10 clear), two bags of Magic Tracks, two etched brass frets, one length of wound metal wire, four water-slide decal marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 20 steps.
Introduction.
The Sturmgeschütz was an extremely effective weapons system, considered vital by the Germans to their war effort. This assault gun was so well-received that whenever circumstances warranted, hybrids were produced using various re-manufactured Pz.Kpfw.III hulls, some as early as the Ausf.H. The most widely-produced example of this type of improvisation was based on the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M chassis, complete with deep-wading exhaust muffler. MAN produced 142 of these hybrid StuG.III Ausf.Gs chassis in March 1943 for final assembly by MIAG and Alkett.
As is their mandate, DML’s Cyberhobby subsidiary has produced a kit of this unusual variant, using previously available parts, as well as new ones, to create this replica. This kit, except for the markings, 35 new styrene parts and revised etched brass frets, is identical to kit 6320, previously reviewed here at ToT. So, this review is essentially a revision of that one.
A low angle view of the hull and superstructure. Note the new exhaust muffler.
A pair of new fenders with characteristic kinks are provided, as are the hinged mud-flaps associated with them.
Two views of the new components from the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M that are used to create this version of the StuG.III Ausf.G.
Tracks.
These come loosely packed in two bags and are so-called Magic Tracks. They represent the 40cm-wide links that had hollow guide horns and smooth cleat faces. These tracks are also handed, so the modeler is cautioned not to open up the bags and mix things up prior to assembly; as an added bit of help, each side’s links are a slightly different color of gray styrene. Being Magic Tracks, they have no sprue attachment points, which is a definite time saver since no cutting or clean-up in that regard is required. Each has a pair of extremely faint ejector pin marks on the inner face. These can be ignored or erased as the modeler sees fit. They fit together easily but quite loosely, and must be fixed together with glue prior to handling.
Suspension System.
The road-wheels are conventionally molded in inner and outer pieces, with integral rubber tires. The outer faces of the wheel hubs feature perforations and weld beads where appropriate, while the tires have a facsimile of the manufacturer’s logo (ContinentaU) on their rims. On the inner faces, the tubes that helped join the wheel halves together are molded on, providing an unprecedented level of detail in this regard. Spare road wheels and spare track pins are also given for stowage. The return rollers are in two parts (inner and outer halves).
The drive sprockets come as conventional inner and outer pieces and are completely detailed. The idler wheels are also composed of inner and outer parts, but feature separate hubs as well as etched brass inner rings for a proper undercut appearance. The idler wheels also have a separate axle arm that can be adjusted for fit. The modeler is advised not to glue it in place on the hull until the fit and sag of the tracks have been worked out.
Separate internal torsion bars are given as are beautifully-detailed separate external swing arms. This will allow the suspension to be fixed in an articulated fashion if the modeler desires to place his work on a base with irregular terrain; to do so, simply cut off the pins that protrude from the hull sides, which are there in case the modeler wants a level, fixed suspension. The bump stops, final drive housings (with separate inner mounting plates) and slide-molded shock absorbers are also separate parts
Hull.
The main part of the hull comes from a slide-mold so it is fully detailed on all faces. This includes mounts for the road-wheel torsion bar/swing arm units, idler wheel mount, bump stops and shock absorbers, as well as the various bolted strips that connected the hull to the superstructure. Weld beads are also present. The belly has drain plug and access plate detail molded in place, plus bolt and rivet heads, as well as weld beads.
However, the hull provided is from the original StuG.III Ausf.G kit, but should probably be that seen in the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J and Ausf.N kits from DML and Cyberhobby. The belly plate details are distinctly different but largely un-seen when the model is displayed in its normal upright position.
The original 50mm bow plate (seen on Pz.Kpfw.IIIs from the Ausf.J onwards) is separate; welded 30mm Zusatzpanzerung (appliqué armor) plate is then fitted. The hull rear plate is new; it is configured to mount the deep-wading exhaust as well as the hatch lids that sealed the overhang against water entry. The former is based on a slide-molded core with two different pipe options, while the latter can be depicted opened or closed. Because of this configuration, no etched screens are supplied as they were not fitted to this type. Various access covers, and tow hook mounts complete this area.
The separate glacis plate depicts the type with a 50mm armor basis but it is fitted with water-tight hatch lids seen on the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M; these fit flush and do not have external hinges. Another small detail that Cyberhobby includes is the deflector seen in front of the drivers armored view-port cover; it is properly off-set to represent the position it would occupy on a Pz.Kpfw.III hull. The final item is a welded 30mm Zusatzpanzerung (appliqué armor) plate. On this is mounted a three-piece Notek black-out driving head-lamp, stem and base.
Two sets of separate track-guards are provided, with the main parts being detailed on the top and bottom surfaces; neither is marred by ejector pin marks. The original track-guard type is included as is the type with a peculiar step towards the front end. There are a number of styrene and etched brass parts added to these main parts so that all braces, etc. can be depicted in great detail. Most of the tools, as well as the five-part jack, two-part, slide-molded jack block, tow cable mounts, end-loops and brackets (with wound metal wire for the cables), fire extinguisher and two-part convoy tail-lamp are then attached to the fenders. The tools have nice clasp details, while the tow cable mounts and jack mounts are separate parts. A number of small wing-nuts are given to detail these items and the end result is bound to be most impressive.
Superstructure.
The engine deck is a separate part and is configured much like the original; the entire assembly can be left off to depict an engine change. Coming from a slide mold, it has details on all faces including various styles of plate and weld detail as well as attachment flanges and bolt heads. It is of the type that was not inter-locked along the top/side edges. The four hatch lids are separate parts, with proper coaming detail around the hatch openings. The armored cowls that surmount the engine cooling openings on the hatch lids are separate parts as are their mounts. A separate tool box as well as gun tube bore swabs and staffs are also mounted here. The latter includes fine separate bracket detail, while more tools are mounted on the side walls.
At the side are proper air intake vents, with the correct means of attachment to the walls, including their internal openings. These are topped by etched brass screens, and detailed with, among other items, lift hooks. The Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M had sealing covers for these vents, but they are not included in this kit, presumably since they were (apparently, according to photos) not fitted to these hybrid Sturmgeschütze. Of course, the main feature of this kit is the multi-part deep wading muffler, based on a slide-molded core part. It included a choice of two styles of mounting brackets as well as a choice of two styles of pipe elbows.
This view shows some of the components that make this version unique: the deep wading muffler, plate for the superstructure overhang and the new glacis plate with water-tight hatch lids.
Casemate.
The casemate is also configured as a separate part and attaches much like the original. It comes from a slide-mold and features excellent weld and panel details, mounting strips and bolt heads, all molded in place. Separate parts are provided for the side lift rings, rear antennae mounts and flexible rubber bases (but no rod antennae), spare track rack (including separate wing-nuts) and cover for the exhaust fan.
A view down into the casemate, with the roof plate, commander’s cupola and hatch lids arrayed below.
The roof plate is separate and has fine recessed screw head details around its edges, as well as hinge, weld and panel details, all molded on. Separate parts for the loader’s gun shield (complete with an excellent slide-molded, multi-part Gen2 MG34) are provided, as well as for his hatch’s lids. The commander’s cupola is a multi-part affair with clear periscope heads and clear scissors telescope. The separate hatch lid for it is a multi-part affair that includes separate locking latches and rubber bump stop. The driver’s view port cover can be positioned opened or closed and it has an internal glass block represented in clear styrene.
The gun mantle is the slab-sided welded/bolted type; it comes from a slide-mold and is completely detailed with proper weld beads and bolts. The gun tube is a single part with a slight seam that will need to be cleaned up; for this I recommend the classic Flex-I-File. The slide-molded muzzle brake is a three-part affair and includes the internal lug and external locking nut. The separate slide-molded collar, where the gun tube enters the mantle, is exquisitely-rendered to include counter-sunk screw heads.
The StuK40 is quite complete and includes position-able breech block as well as a clear part for the gun sight.
Interior.
Internally, the 7.5cm StuK40 main gun is complimented by an almost totally complete mount. This includes cradle, recoil cylinders, mount, traverse and elevation hand-wheels, gunner’s seat, multi-part breech block, sight mounts and clear Sfl.Z.F.1a gun sight. This entire item mounts over the drive shaft tunnel, which in turn, is attached to the floor plate. A bulkhead/engine firewall unit encloses the compartment at the rear. Above that is the inner works of the exhaust fan, which includes a separate fan blade unit. There is also a commander’s seat.
Separate inner sponson units are detailed with various radio sets along with some of their ancillary accessories. To these are fitted separate mounting racks. Enough equipment is given to create a command vehicle. There is much missing here, but some of it is standard equipment such as head-phone boxes, gas mask canisters, MP40s and ammunition magazine containers. Many modelers will have these in their spares box. Major items such as StuK40 ammunition racks, the entire driver’s compartment, some vents and pipes will have to be scratch-built or sourced from the after-market industry. It should be noted that Cyberhobby has marketed two upgrades for this and other areas of the base kit. These have both been reviewed here on ToT.
Molding, Fit and Engineering.
Like many of their recent new-tool kits, DML’s designers have gone to great lengths to provide a level of detail on the styrene parts not often previously seen. Although not a new technique (it is as old as injection-molding), slide-molds have been used in a very intelligent way either to allow for better detail rendition, or for ease of assembly. On visible surfaces, not a single ejector pin mark was found and there was no shrinkage of any kind. Fit of major parts was excellent and mold seams were faint and easily dealt with. As usual, the road-wheels and return rollers will require the most effort to clean, since there are 24 of the former and 12 of the latter; all have seams around their middles as well as sprue attachment points.
Accuracy.
As far as I could tell, using the scale drawings in reference 1 and 2, this kit is extremely accurate in its major dimensions, shapes and angles. The designers and their consultants have gotten the visible details right, with the probable exception being the part chosen for use as the hull pan.
In the area of omissions I noted the following that would be of concern to me personally: no rod antennae are provided, there is no ammunition magazine for the loader’s external MG34, no spent shell case bag is given for beneath the StuK40 main gun and no Schürzen or hangers are present.
Decals and Markings Information.
Here are the decals as well as two etched brass frets. Note the absence of screens for the hull rear overhang; also, the fret with the spare track bracket is thicker than usual for durability and scale effect.
The decals are the usual excellent Italian product from Cartograf. They are crisp, in register and have thin, closely-cropped carrier film. Markings for four assault guns are provided as follows:
1. Black 2, unidentified unit, Ostfront 1943.
2. Pz.Abt. Feldherrnhalle, Southern France 1943.
3. 16.SS-Panzergrenadier-Division RFSS, Italy 1944.
4. 16.SS-Panzergrenadier-Division RFSS, Italy 1944.
Scheme 1 is confirmed in photos seen in reference 2. Scheme 2 is quite generic and should not be an issue. Schemes 3 and 4 are also fairly well-documented; note that in their case, I have given the proper unit designation, regardless of how the instructions are written. This is not laxity on the part of Cyberhobby, but rather reflects the laws in some countries where these kits are marketed.
It should also be noted here that this kit provides options for StuG.III Ausf.Gs produced on re-manufactured Pz.Kpfw.III chassis, to include a variation of the Zusatzpanzerung seen over the driver’s periscopes as well as the stepped fenders. In particular, it would seem that these features were NOT seen on the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M, so the modeler should be aware of that before applying the glue. In essence, all of the features in the kit were not seen on the same vehicle, at least according to photos.
As usual, the modeler is urged to check those references!
Instructions.
These are in the conventional drawn style and appear to be well-done. As usual, they are busy. I noted no discrepancies; the modeler is not instructed to use the two flaps that enclosed the hull rear when the deep wading muffler was fitted. Archival photos of this sub-type are ambiguous in this regard.
A frontal view of the main kit components fitted together, minus the track-guards, drive sprockets, idler wheels, return rollers, road-wheels and tracks.
Conclusion.
This is yet another fine replica of a relatively minor variant of the widely-used StuG.III Ausf.G. The options are well-thought-out and in some cases when not used on this kit, they can be used elsewhere to create yet more unusual sub-variants of the Ausf.G. The omissions I have noted are for the most part minor and can be easily addressed by any but the novice modeler.
Highly recommended.
Frank V. Curley the Stooge De Sisto
References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to:
1. Sturmgeschütz, s.PaK to Sturmmörser; Panzer Tracts No.8, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
2. Sturmgeschütz and its Variants; Speilberger Series Vol.II, Schiffer, by W. Spielberger.
3. Sturmgeschütz III & IV 1942-45; Osprey New Vanguard 37, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
4. Sturmartillerie & Panzerjäger 1939-1945; Osprey New Vanguard 34, by B. Perrett.
5. The Sturmgeschütze in World War II 1939-1945, a Photo Chronicle; Schiffer, by W. Fleischer & R. Eiermann.
6. Sturmgeschütz Vor!; J.J. Fedorowicz, by F. Kurowski.
7. 7,000 Kilometers in a Sturmgeschütz; J.J. Fedorowicz, by H. Engel.
8. Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition; by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz
9. Sturmgeschütz III; Squadron Armor in Action 14, by B. Culver.
10. Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G; Squadron Walk Around 5702, by T. Cockle.
11. Panzer Colors III; Squadron 6253, by B. Culver.
12. Sturmartillerie; Aero Armor 3, by W. Spielberger & U. Feist.
13. StuG.III; Sturm & Drang 2.
14. Sturmgeschütz III, StuG.IV & s.IG33; Achtung Panzer 5, by M. Bitoh, H. Kitamura, T. Namie & S. Hards.
15. Sturmgeschütz III in Kampfeinsatz; Tankograd 4007, by M. Zöllner
16. StuG.III w Miniaturie; Kagero 35001, by G. Parada & S. Jablonski.
17. StuG w Akcji; Armagedon, by A. Majewski.
18. Sturmgeschütz III, Miltar’s Kits Hors Serie 3, by V. Deygas & A. Milesi.
19. Modelling the Sturmgeschütz III; Osprey Modelling 22, by G. Edmundson.
20. German Sturmartillerie, Vol.1; Concord 70??, by F. De Sisto & L. Lecocq (soon to be published).
21. German Sturmartillerie, Vol.2; Concord 70??, by F. De Sisto & L. Lecocq (soon to be published).
22. Toadman’s Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G Photo CD; Toadman’s Tank Pictures by Chris Hughes.
Reviewer’s note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to Cyberhobby. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.
Cyberhobby kits are available for a limited time, direct from the manufacturer. For information and images see their web-site at: www.cyber-hobby.com.
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