StuH 42 & StuG. III Ausf G late production (Rye Field Models RM - 5086 1/35) Chapter 5: Panzerwerk resin tracks

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My Panzerwerk Design tracks have turned up and I could not wait to check them out. They arrived securely and safely packaged. Inside the branded cardboard box there contained a small instruction sheet, two bags of links, and two bags of half-pins (inner and outer) These bags were additionally packaged inside small individual plastic boxes. Both the links and inner and outer link pins were nicely rendered, and all of the pins were of uniform length and arrow straight. There are 220 links and pins which is more than enough for both Pz.III and Pz.IV running gear. 

They assembled without an issue or breakage. Not a single pin broke and they all engaged into each link with a satisfying and reassuring ‘click’. I must admit the carpet monster consumed around three or four half-pins but that was totally self-inflicted. 

 

They articulate well and look absolutely stunning 

StuH 42 & StuG. III Ausf G late production (Rye Field Models RM - 5086 1/35 ) Chapter 4: Alkett or MIAG?

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As we have seen already, there are a few features that were unique to the final batch of both Alkett and MIAG built Ausf G's. Unfortunately unlike Miniart, RFM do not specify which ones this kit represents. They just provide parts for both. Most parts you are instructed to add, do point to an Alkett built vehicle; but the instructions are not clear enough. The inclusion in the kit of almost all the features of both is a big plus, it just would have been smart of RFM if thay had labelled the instructions with each manufacterer parts when there was a choice. So, if this is your first StuG kit and you would like to build an accurate version, you just need to work out which parts are particular to which manufacturer, as its far too easy to add a mixture of both! Missing-Lynx is your friend here😉

If depicting an Alkett build, it is worth noting that RFM only include the original round type MIAG installed tow cable brackets. Alkett brackets were a unique square shape and as the kit part is moulded to the tow hooks, they ideally will need to be replaced along with aftermarket copper braided tow cables. Both Modelkasten and Panzerwerk-Design offer these brackets as of writing. 

Observing the details on the Alkett track guards; the tubular supports are not quite as faithfully represented as they could be. The shape is not 100% accurate, but inclusion of photoetch strengthening ribs does improve their overall appearance. The rear convoy light RFM provide is not one that either manufacturer fitted. It should be of the tube type design. These can be found as spares in many Panzer kits. I believe RFM’s own Panther kit has them. 

Comparing 1/35 aftermarket metal & 3D printed tracks (2024)

Aftermarket track links are not cheap. Let’s get that out of the way first. Often as much as 50% of the price of a kit! Whether you think they are good value and will enhance a build will be down to personal preference. Although kit manufacturers have made great strides in improving what they now offer in their kits, whether it be individual tracks, workable, or the link and length type, there is no denying that these all have a huge advantage over the conventional fixed or rubber band type. The natural sag that a set of workable links exhibit is difficult to replicate. Whilst Friul metal tracks were once the go-to for aftermarket tracks, let us look at some recent additions to a rook of 3D printed ones that have recently hit the market. 

StuH 42 & StuG. III Ausf G late production (Rye Field Models RM - 5086 1/35) Chapter 3: Gun box, engine deck and fixing the loaders front armour plate

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I’m currently building up the engine deck which comes as a separate moulding but I’m not going to attach all the parts permanently until I can confirm how the Legends Production stowage I have just ordered is contoured to fit. 

 

Engine deck, armoured engine hatches, and gun box roof all test fitted

StuH 42 & StuG. III Ausf G late production ( Rye Field Models RM - 5086 1/35 ) Chapter 2: Construction fixes

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A construction fix which can trip you up was pointed out to me by a fellow modeller and involves the two strengthening ribs (parts D13 & D14). You are instructed to add these to the undersides of the gun box in step 13. What they do in essence, is create a channel which allows the gun box to align squarely onto both of the thin lower hull side plates. The problem is that they only need to be fixed a fraction off and the channel can become too narrow. To remedy this I can advise  attaching these parts directly to the lower hull instead. There are alignment slots in the lower hull side plates too, so it’s a really simple fix and will avoid any potential fit issues.

 

 

StuH 42 & StuG. III Ausf G late production (Rye Field Models RM - 5086 1/35) Chapter 1: What's in the box & construction begins

 

Having recently finished building RFM’s Panzer IV Ausf J and currently still having lots of fun with their Panzer IV Ausf J interior kit, I really fancied tackling another one of their 1/35 armour kits. The engineering is so good, and the plastic such a similar colour match, that I keep thinking I’m building a Tamya kit😉  Which can be no bad thing at all!

 

Tiger I Late production (Dragon 6253 1/35) Chapter 1: Whats all the fuss about?

With the 80th D-Day anniversary just around the corner and just the one decade on since I purchased this, I have finaly got round to popping the lid!

What can I say about this kit? Well after 19 years since its release it still looks to be the gold standard for Tiger I kits. Tiger guru David Byrden had a hand with technical advice with this one and his website https://tiger1.info/ is invaluable to anybody who likes to model these big cats. He even has a page dedicated to pointing out both errors and fixes for pretty much every Tiger 1 released to date,

Scrolling down on his webpage to this particular Dragon kit 6253  there are still a few small issues to address. No real cause for concern, just a few little anamolies that David points out and advises how to solve. Looking at all the big box Takom builds on his site, I notice even these current releases still have there issues. Some of which were not present on this kit 19 years ago The one big bonus they have over this Dragon kit, and one that the current crop of Tiger I late kits over the last decade have adopted, is the inclusion of moulded on zimmerit. Although some folks still prefer to make there own or use resin sets, I think the majority of modellers welcome this.