introduction

Dragon have over the last few years produced some really excellent kits, even including there own Photo etch parts. as the kit themselves have become more complicated and better detailed the aftermarket industry has had to follow suit.

Eduard have become one of the leading after market producers of photo etch and it still astounds me into how much there products can added to the finished model.

History

The Stug III was one of a series of tank destroyers produced by the Germans during the war.They were produced as Assault guns were easier, cheaper and less time consuming to make than turreted tanks and so where produced in large numbers. They were equipped with the short 75mm StuK 37 L/24 gun mounted on a tracked chassis. Used to accompany the infantry into the attack, the assault gun's main aim was to knock out pill-boxes, machine gun nests.anti-tank guns and other obstacles. The Ausf C/D were produced between May and September 1941 with 50 Ausf C being produced and 150 of the Ausf D.

The Set

The set is primarily for the Dragon Stug.III Ausf C/D kit number 6009 but could if required be used on other producers Stug's.The Eduard set comes on 2 frets and contains all the parts you need to be able to replace and add detail to the dragon kit.

The set includes some very fine etched chain as well as replacements for the smaller latches that are either missing or too large when produced in plastic, It has the inside hatch detail so you can show the model with the hatches open. All the tools in the dragon kit will require the molded on tool clamps removing so that they can be replaced with the Eduard tool clamps giving a more realistic sit for the tools. There is also a a lot of detail that is added to the rear engine deck as well as the side skirts.(there is also a Eduard set to replace these 35 916 is you wished). A complete replacement for the jack block is included in etch, i would generally replace it with a piece of balsa wood or similar, as well as replacement for the side storage boxes again this allows you to show them open. As with any after market set a good set of references are always essential if you are to really get the most from them, I would take a look at the Achtung Panzer set of books due to there line drawings showing exactly where everything should go.

In conclusion

This in my mind is a very nice set and would allow you to add fine detail to what is an already nice kit. Not for the total amateur but then no photo etch is but with the excellent instructions (also available on line), patience and time and excellent detailed model can be produced.I would also recommend the use of a hold and fold or similar to help with some of the smaller parts and box assemblies.A good quality super glue will also be needed to fix the parts to the kit.