Looks pretty cool, at least in Volstad's art-work! But how does this new kit really differ from that StuG III F/8 late production kit (6644), other of course than the winterketten that kit comes with? What makes it "early"? I am also curious about the suggested paint-scheme. IF these F/8 were actually produced only in mid - to -late 1942, they would predate the 1943 regulation for dunkelgelb base-coats and field tricolor camo. But I'll freely admit that the scheme looks pretty cool! And what about that loader's MG shield? That's a feature I have thought (without looking at any references ) came out only into the G series... But I also agree with Bill... cannot have too many of these, I think! But it sure would be swell if only the D would tumble to putting out an early short-gun StuG. I think D has almost everything needed somewhere in the current SmartKit bins! Bob

Looks like just a plain F to me. ~ Jeff

The main difference between the Late and Early is the Early has welded on armour as opposed to bolted on the Late version.

Ok! Very nice looking. Ron's artwork is as gorgeous as ever! As to the questions about the paint scheme, perhaps this a HG unit or stug brigade which provided their crews with quite a but of lee-way in terms of field modifications and camo configurations. I have only built the latest StugIV with zim and have the III with waffle zim in the stash. After studying the differences, I love the way the F's look, it's a beast born out of veteran's field experiences of the earlier model's shortcomings. Great news!

The cover art shows the commander in tropical uniform, and there is a Bren Gun Carrier in the background. Could be Italy 1943 vs. British troops, and 3-color camo. I believe the Germans still had some StuG F's kicking around at that time.

Hi Also notice in the detail poster DS band tracks rather than Magic Tracks

Bill's got it right! I love their Stug's and will have to add this one to the collection.

I'm definitely interested in this for a Southern Italy '43 diorama. Pair this kit with; DML6195 ' fallschirm reg 3 Sicily', DML 6036 'HG Division', and DML's sdkfz 10/5 für 2cm flak 38 (armored)' manned by Hobby Fan 577 '2cm gun crew', and you've got a large and involved dio.

@Alan: And I'll bet you can guess, given my posts the other (MagicTracks) thread, on whether I'll buy this one, even if it does indeed have both cool artwork and potential for a good representation of this early long-gun StuG! DS tracks for a StuG? Ugh. Bob