Hi all,

I was wondering if anybody could give me some advice please? I'd like to build a StuG IV from the 17th SS "Gotz von Berlichingen" in Normandy circa June 1944. I see that Dragon has two kits in 1:35 scale (6520 and 6576)that depict the same machine (named "Bruno"from the 17th SS)...but one version is boxed as a Zimmerit version, the other without.

Which, in your opinion, is more accurate in terms of having zimerit or not? I'm depicting a machine from around 11-13 June 1944 at the battle of Carentan.

Also, I see that one kit has DS tracks and the other Magc Track. I've used Magic Tracks before but never DS tracks. Which one is better in terms of an accurate finished product?

Thanks all!

I would definitely go with the zimmerit version.

While the 6576 kit has zimm, the 6520 kit has etched aluminum schurzen. The zimmerit can be had from eduard as they make a late StuG zimmerit set and I'm sure that it's applicable across the board to the early StuG. I have the 6520 kit and actually I was kind of upset that it didn't come with zimm as the box art shows a tank with zimm.

Almost certainly that StuG IV had zimm....

So, despite the DS tracks (blah, IMHO , but folks work with them and they can be swapped for link tracks, of course), I would go with the zimm'd kit - it's MUCH easier to scratch your own schurtzen if you don't like the sort provided than it is to apply any sort of AM zimm!

Bob

Thanks for the input everyone! I was also under the impression that zimmerit was standard on the early StuGs until around August 1944 (?).I've googled the 17th SS in Normandy and haven't found any photos of the one depicted by Dragon, which carries no number and only has the name "Bruno"...is anybody aware of existing photos of this or its sister machines?

By the way, you don't have to buy AM zimmerit. You can apply it yourself with putty,and a pinion gear from an r/c car(or a lighter,watch......). Or making a stamp to depict a specific pattern used.

Thanks!That tip is really helpful. I guess that way you can apply the exact Zimmerit pattern for that particular vehicle and not a generic one from an aftermarket kit. I'll get a piece of flat plastic and try my hand at it!

Mike;

FWIW:

I use drywall compound (fine plaster) mixed with a little latex wall paint instead of any sort of putty - goes on thin, quick, and easy, tools like putty with that gear or a rake or..., chips just like the real zimm does, and can be removed from the kit without damaging the plastic, as there are no solvents involved. And as compound is a fine plaster, you'll get that zimm cement-like finish right off!

Bob