CyberHobby 1/35 StuG.III Ausf C/D w/7.5cm L48, previewed by Scott Van Aken

Surprisingly, the Sd.Kfz. 142 Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) was the most widely produced armored fighting vehicle that Germany fielded during WWII. Based on the chassis of the famous Panzer III, the StuG III began life as an infantry support weapon, but by the end of the war it had developed into an effective tank destroyer. One of the earlier variants of the StuG III was the Ausf.C, which was identified by an improved superstructure that eliminated a shot trap near the gunner’s view port. A total of 50 StuG III Ausf.C vehicles, each weighing 20.2 tons and featuring a 7.5cm StuK37 L/24 gun, were produced between May and September of 1941.

THE KIT

This kit was released in a similar version by Dragon a few years back and is still a fine kit. This one has the L48 gun in place of the usual L24 version carried by the Ausf C/D variant. The kit has no interior, though there are a lot of bits and pieces to attach to the outside. Many of the 40

0 plus parts are courtesy of the Magic Track individual links. These are color coded for left and right sides so you will not get them confused. A set of four figures from the same time period are provided making for an instant diorama.

Instructions are typical of this series. They are the smaller size in full color. Any modifications needed to either fill in attachment holes or remove bits not appropriate for this kit are clearly shown in the instructions. Markings are provided for one vehicle from StuG Brigade 232 in Samland East Prussia during 1945. The vehicle is in panzer yellow with a worn whitewash. Instructions on painting and assembling the figures are also included and in full color. As usual, Gunze and Model Master paint references are provided.

These Value Pack kits really are a great deal for the money. You get a quality kit and a set of figures to go along with it, both for a very good price.

KIT #:	9119
PRICE:	$35.00 MSRP
DECALS:	One option
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	Value Pack