¹⁄35

Stug III Ausf A Build

Stage 13 Here we move onto the engine deck and for me there are mixed blessing to consider. The hatches could be displayed open if an engine set has been acquired for the model, but having to add the hinge portion on the engine deck is an unexpected nuisance. The air intake housings fit well and the photo etched grills fit well and easily. The biggest complaint I have is that all of the small detail pieces you are directed to add at this point have no designated locaters to indicate placement, the result is that you are left to make best guess while using the instructions. I consider this poor in a kit that will cost in the £60 range in the UK.

Stage 14 Work now starts on some of the internal fighting compartment structures. This takes the form of a couple of ammunition bins and the breech of the main gun. The breech can be assembled open or closed which is good in my opinion. You again encounter the ‘add bolt detail here’, this means adding 12 bolts to the exterior face of the main gun mount. I did not do this as I do not believe the bolts can be seen on the finished model.