Monday, January 31

Preview: MiniArt's Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G April 1943 Alkett Prod. Interior Kit from MiniArt...

MiniArt narrows the focus of their latest full interior kit ot the April onwards period in 1943 at the Alkett factory for their latest release. This kit features all of the "mid" production details that we feature in our preview...


Preview: MiniArt's Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G  April 1943 Alkett Prod. Interior Kit from MiniArt...

Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G  April 1943 Alkett Prod. Interior Kit 
From MiniArt
Kit No #35338
1/35th scale
The kit contains six marking choices in the box.
Photo-etch & clear parts are included
The Subject: The StuG III Ausf.G / Sturmgeschütz III / Sd.Kfz. 142
Sturmgeschütz (or StuG) meaning "assault gun" was a simple derivative of the Panzer III signed for infantry support, but it ended as one of the most important German vehicles of WWII. With its low-profile and low cost, it was the real warhorse of the Wehrmacht, shifting from a close support vehicle to a tank-hunter, soldiering without interruption anywhere from North Africa to Europe and Russia. The crews loved it because of its low profile and good armour, and the infantry it was supporting was grateful for its firepower and availability.
The Ausführung G model 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.
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 guard for the operator's protection.

"Mid" 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.  
By March 1943, simplification pushed to drop the driver’s periscope. Metal return rollers were also required due to the lack of rubber. The main gun was unchanged, and in June 1944, it received a coaxial MG 34. Another big change was the adoption of a rotating cupola with periscopes, later replaced by a fixed, welded one, because of the sudden shortage of ball bearings. These had shot deflectors generalized by February 1944. Zimmerit anti-magnetic coating was factory applied for just a year, from September 1943 to September 1944.

The kit: Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G April 1943 Alkett Prod. Interior Kit 
This kit is a continuation on of the February productions StuG Ausf.G kit 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. 

The photo-etch sheets in this boxing replicate the thinner parts of the tank. 
The decals of this kit - they include not only the ammunition and the dials for the drier's instruments.
Five Marking choices/ Decals:
A decal sheet for five marking options is included in the kit. Shown below, we have photos of some of the original tanks in her to compare them with...
Below: the boxart example here is shown in real life...

Below: the boxart example here is shown in real life...


Below: the boxart example here is shown in real life...


This kit is due for release in a month's time