Hi guys -
Here is my StuG IIIa for the Barb campaign.... I got started late, but i think I've got it licked. This is the Dragon kit with the Aber etch set - pretty intensive and it took a LONG time to get this far. I started around the 1st of September on this, and this is a far as I am. I am going to prime her tonight, and assemble the Friuls... I'll have her ready for action on the 21st....

Here are some shots of the vehicle so far.... there are many more images in my gallery.

Comments (good and bad) are welcome and wanted.
Thanks for your time-
Jeff

thats a very nice build you have their I hope the paint job will be as nice as the model so far

good job and keep us posted.

I cant whine about it cause to me it looks A ok :-)

I specially like the little pe lock thats on the box.

Jeff----very good looking in progress pics. The build is very very clean, and the application of the pe is very sharp. From what I can see, no seams, no smudges, ---excellent construction.

Looking forward to seeing it painted.

Steve

looks really nice
I'll look forward for the finished model
regards

Jeff, it looks nice the only thing I can notice (pse consider that I'm not a Gerna WWII AFV expert) id the seam on the upper part of the main gun mantlet...
Ciao

Looks very good indeed. question: Is the hole in the mudguards closed by a little hatch? the holes are clearly ment for the rear lights to shine through when the guards are in the raised position. But now it is closed. Any suggetions? I agree with the seamline!

Golikell,there was a piece of sheet metal,which kept the rear mudguards from falling down onto the track.
Jeff,where or how are you planning to add and mount a tow cable?The clamps are all closed on the back deck.gonna be tough threading it through. (++) (++) (++) (++) (++) (++)

Thanks for the comments guys-

I really appreciate the feedback.

scoccia-
The seam you see on the gun mantlet is supposed to be there. When the real mantlet is assembled, the two halves were welded together. The actual thing has this weld seam running directly down the middle of the mantlet. I agree it looks kinda funny, and my first inclination was to sand the thing off - but they were there on the real thing, so I guess it stays.

TankCarl is indeed correct about the fenders - the actual thing is made up of two sheet metal flaps. The top one (with the hole in it) is hinged to raise up, with the light fitting in the hole. The bottom sheet is attached to the fender brace underneath the fender and stays down, even when the top flap is raised. When the top fender flap is down, it rests on the lower sheet metal flap. The Aber set is really good for this detail - they got it exactly right.

Carl - the tow cable would be a BEAR to thread through the retaining clamps... The Dragon kit does not come with a tow cable for some reason - and I fixed the clamps before I even thought about adding a cable. I guess I won't be adding one now eh??? LOL A little too late for that. My StuG crew lent their cable out to some nearby recovery effort..... :-)

Thanks for the comments - I plan on posting more pics when this project is done..

Jeff

Jeff,then install a tow cable into one of the towing lugs,like it was getting ready to tow or be towed... (++) (++)

That PE really is making this bad boy look good!