As more and more of MiniArt Models all-new 35th scale StuG III Ausf.G Feb, 1943 Alkett Prod. Interior Kit (plus crew) kit is revealed to us. We bring the updated score on all of the parts, decals, colours, figures & sprues to you in our rolling preview...
Updated preview: MiniArt's kit parts, figures & colours of their new StuG released...
StuG III Ausf.G Feb 1943 Alkett Prod. Interior Kit
From MiniArt
Kit No #35335
1/35th scale
The kit contains five marking choices in the box.
Five crew are included
Photo-etch & clear parts are included
The Ausführung G stood apart from the other production versions. It was, in essence, the main production run for the entire StuG series, with more than 8400 rolling of the line from December 1942 to April 1945, equivalent to the total production of all Panzer IV types combined. This tremendous effort was due to a complete reorganization (by Albert Speer) of the production, spread between other manufacturers like MIAG (in 1943) and many suppliers. This was done in order to avoid disruptions caused by the increasingly efficient Allied bombing campaigns. It was, of course, further increased by the gradual replacement of the Panzer III with the StuG III on the same production lines.
Some Alkett produced StuG III Ausf.G's
Simplification and standardization helped to further reduce costs and delays. The main superstructure was simplified. The side sloped armoured boxes were eliminated, and the casemate sides were extended half-through the mudguard width. This extra storage allowed to store even more rounds. The engine/fighting compartment rear wall was strengthened, the ventilation fan relocated further back and appliqué armour was standardized. Furthermore, the upper MG.34 was factory-fitted, protected by a squared mask.
By March 1943, simplification pushed to drop the driver’s periscope. Metal return rollers were also required due to the lack of rubber. Rubber saving road wheels had been already tested briefly in November 1942, but not adopted.
Alkett Production in 1943
By May 1943, Alkett started fitting Schurzen (spaced armoured side skirts) to the tanks, but it was rushed out, and the fixations were later proven inadequate at Kursk (this was corrected in March 1944). 80 mm (3.15 in) armour plates were used instead of appliqué armour.
In all, Alkett was responsible for delivering 7500 StuGs, while MIAG built 2586. Alkett also carried out the conversion of 173 older Panzer IIIs to the StuG III Ausf.G standard, and 142 were based on the late Panzer III Ausf.M chassis.
The first in the new StuG Ausf.G series from MiniArt. This kit features a full interior, an accurately depicted driver's compartment and fighting compartment with full ammunition. All of the hatches can be modelled in open or closed positions and the transmission compartment is accurately represented. A full engine included also.
The tracks are the workable type and clear parts are also included for the transparent parts like the opticals in the cupolas. We also know that some photo-etch is included in the kit.
Crew:
Five figures of the crew will be included in the box. The crew look to be the #35054 "German Spg Crew Riders", a previous release by MiniArt that does add more value to a kit with a full interior.
Five Marking choices/ Decals:
A decal sheet for five marking options is included in the kit. We do not yet know the marking choices for the kit except for the box art version.
A decal sheet for five marking options is included in the kit. We do not yet know the marking choices for the kit except for the box art version.
The boxart example here is shown in real life...
One of these is the boxart example, in which we see the StuG III Ausf. G Alkett February 1943 production with field modification from the StuG.Abt.“Grossdeutschland” in Ukraine, Spring 1943
Here is the colour profile of this variant...
Update 28/10/2021 - new video of the StuG.
Miniart has just now published an all -new video of the kit in 3D CAD form showing the structure of the full interior of the kit as well as exterior features. Seeing it like this is very interesting to the modeller don't you think?
Update 1/11/2021:
To add to the colour profile options above we have the sprue maps. Shown here below in CAD form. These give you the idea about what to expect in the kit box...
The decals and photo-etch of this kit...
The engine sprues...
"Jerry" and three sided oil/petrol cans are supplied on this kit.
The lower hull and sides of the StuG, the many smaller parts of the interior and exterior
Return rollers.
Main road wheels of the kit
The drive sprockets
Slide moulded muzzle brakes
The barrel and mantlet
Ammunition is of course include dint he full interior kit.
The one-piece track links
The five figures included in the kit on one sprue. They all fit inside the hatches of the tank
That is all we know about this kit so far. See more about all of MiniArt's kits on their website...
New MiniArt Kits Available in October 2021:
Status Changed – Again Available:
16028 SAMURAI
