MiniArt’s 72nd scale Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. The latest release from MiniArt is G, April, 1943 Alkett Prod, which promises all the MiniArt details with less parts for modelers. We look at what comes in the kit, the markings & decals in our preview…
Preview: MiniArt’s 72nd scale Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G, April 1943 Alkett Prod
Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G, April 1943 Alkett Prod
From MiniArt
Kit No #72106
1/72nd Scale
The kit contains five marking choices in the box.
Photo-etch & clear parts are included
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The Subject: StuG III Ausf. G, February 1943 Alkett Production.
The Ausfuhrungs G were different from other versions of the production. This was the primary production line for the entire StuG Series, and more than 8,400 units were rolled from December 1942 until April 1945. That is equivalent to all Panzer IVs combined. Albert Speer reorganized the entire production (between 1943 and 1945) to spread it among other manufacturers, such as MIAG. The aim was to minimize disruptions due to the increasing efficiency of the Allied bombing campaign. It was, of course, further increased by the gradual replacement of the Panzer III with the StuG III on the same production lines.
Some Alkett produced StuG III Ausf.G’s – the ones shown in this preview are the subjects covered in this release
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Simplification and standardization helped to further reduce costs and delays. This release covers the StuG III Ausf.G’s produced by Alkett. Casemate sides have been extended to half the width of the mudguards, eliminating the side-sloped armored boxes. The extra space allowed for the storage of more rounds. The rear of the engine/fighting chamber was reinforced, and applique armor was standardised. The upper MG.34, which is protected by a mask with rounded corners, was also factory fitted. Due to the absence of rubber, metal return rollers had also been required. Rubber saving road wheels had been already tested briefly in November 1942, but not adopted.
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Alkett Production in 1943
By April & May 1943, Alkett started fitting Schurzen (spaced armoured side skirts) to the tanks, but it was rushed out, and the fixations were later proven inadequate at Kursk (this was corrected in March 1944). Alkett used 80 mm armour plates instead of applique armor. Alkett converted 173 Panzer IIIs into StuG III Ausf.G chassis, while 142 others were based upon the Panzer III Ausf.M chassis. The kit has all the great features of the 1/35th-scale kit, in a smaller scale with fewer parts. There are plenty of images on the sprue…
This should be available next month.
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