introduction

The ’Sturer Emil’ was a vehicle built on the chassis of the ill-fated VK 3001(H), mounting the Rheinmetall 12.8cm PaK 44 L/55. Only two were built and both saw active service on the Eastern Front during 1942 and 1043. Trumpeter released the Sturer Emil as kit # 00350.

the photo etch

Eduard supply four large frets of photo etch in this set, so on first impression the set looks quite extensive.

The four sides of instructions begin with replacing the front fenders on the kit, which obviously requires some plastic surgery to be performed, but will result in a more scale appearance. Tool clamps are supplied to replace the moulded on items contained in the kit, and there is also a new horn for the right front fender. The Emil had a row of spare track links mounted below the glacis, and Trumpeter supply these as a one pice moulding including the angle bar holding them. Eduard advise you to remove the moulded on bar, saving the links, and replacing the bar with an etched one.

Next we come to the rear fenders which can be replaced, along with a new late style rear Notek convoy light and reflector. Eduard suply new brackets for the four barrel cleaning rod cases, as well as treadplates for the small step up into the crew compartment. There are improvements to the wooden Jack block also.

The rest of the improvements in this set are for use inside the open crew compartment....and are extensive! Most of the kit supplied parts that can be replaced by this set, need replacing, in my view being over-thick. The first to go are the cartridge storage lockers on the left and right-hand side of the crew compartment, and these can be prepared open, with or without the cartridge, or closed. Since Trumpeter supply four of these cartridges then the choice is yours.

There is a very nice First-Aid box for the inside of the rear wall, a few brackets for such things as MP40 and other internal tools, and a very good looking bracket that apparently holds 3 stick grenades. On the forward end of the left-hand wall there is a complete replacement for the magazine holding 8 shells, although to use these it will require you to carefully remove the moulded on detail from the kit supplied shells themselves.

The last thing supplied is a rather nice radio housing, including a front for the radio itself, although this looks a bit flat, and it probably look better removing the detail from the kit one and using this in the eduard housing.

in conclusion

A very nice set from Eduard that includes things I would think were essential replacements. It's one drawback is that actually costs more than the kit itself.

My thanks to Eduard for the review sample

Further information is available here
Eduard