Peter Ganchev follows the in-box review with this build of the StuG IV Late from DML.

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If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Wow, Peter, are you really saying there's 600 unused parts that come in this kit?

NOT a big StuG IV fan, but the way you make it out, how can I resist? AND, so many freaking parts too.

Nice review and I guess another one goes on the list. Even though I have 2 1/16th kits to build, this one is a premium one at best.



Thanks!






~ Jeff

I hope a final production StuG lll is coming soon. Dragon hasn't released one since their Imperial Dragon days. Not a terribly bad kit, with upgrades, but I would like to see a newly tooled one.

Very comprehensive review and build description.

One thing, though, in Step 7: The fender modification that DML shows as an optional step, where the angled front fender ends are cut off and replaced with parts K34(K35) should NOT be followed for a late (or even standard) production StuG IV.

The curved front fender sections are only seen on the first 30 PzIV chassis diverted from Nibelungenwerke to Krupp-Grusonwerk in December '43 for the intial StuG IV prodution (completed by early Jan '44).

All of the remainder of the StuG IV production at Krupp-Grusonwerk utilzed the kit's molded angled front fender ends.

So, on the late StuG IV, save yourself some work and don't follow the DML optional sub-step. DML should have left this out of the late StuG IV instructions, but, hey, it's DML with all the instruction issues that means.

If you're buildng the DML early StuG IV, only use the optional K34(K35) parts for an intial production vehicle. Also use optional part K25, rear hull, Step 1, square aux engine exhaust hole cover, but cut the bolts off and add a weld bead around it. Also, add zimmerit for one of these intial 30 StuG IV's. There are also several other optional parts that are different, like some of the tool choices.

At any rate, nice review and build!

Hey Jeff, what about the Stug IV don't you like? I think I enjoy them more than a Stug III. The lowered drive sproket on the PzIII chassis makes the Stug III look a little short and stocky.

Anyways, I do like all of the similiar tanks in the German motorpool. For example, if you looked at the silhoutte of the the following:

Stug III
Stug IV
Jagdpanzer IV L/48

Its funny how close all of the vehicles were. To me that is one of the fun things about German Armour is all of the variations. I am not a huge Allied guy, but I also like how the Sexton and Priest are similiar (main gun asside).

Wow guys - appreciate the positive response

@firstcircle: Matthew - please check the inbox review here:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/7964

Actually considering the optional parts and the PE that does not get mentioned they are probably closer to 650.

@PantherF: Jeff - the kit is really pleasant to build and would probably turn into a nice prelude for the 1/16 beasts. I myself wouldn't go for a 1/16 kit before I could allow myself a year-long vacation! Building it should be a full-time work from where I stand...

@SdAufKla: Mike, thanks for your input! I have to admit to ignoring the fenders during my reference search Another lesson learned - many thanks!

Note the instructions in this model, there are a few mistakes and showing some parts without numbers