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

One construction fix which was pointed out to me by a fellow modeller, involves two strengthening ribs (parts D13 & D14), which you are instructed to add 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 will become too narrow. To remedy this potential fit issue, you just need to attach the 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.

 

 

 

The lower hull interior includes a fighting compartment floor to which the gun cradle fixing mount is attached. At the rear only the inner two of the four spars that you are instructed to fit between the lower hull back plate to the extension over the exhausts featured on these late production vehicles. It is not an issue to fit them as instructed as they are not visible (unless you are an IPMS/USA judge) and the extension rear plate outer detail has the correct bolt head detail for just the two inner ones that remained.

 

In step 15 you get to choose your gun type and unlike any earlier manufacturer's releases, each gets its own parts and construction steps. It is worth mentioning that in step 19 it is not at all clear in which order to attach the breech sub-assembly, gun box, lower hull and mantlet all together! I’m sure there are a few ways that folks have managed to do this successfully, but it is not at all obvious and quite a conundrum to figure out.

 

Breech assembly with added weld detail on the recuperator and an aftermarket barrel. I incorporated the kit's spring so I can leave it adjustable to ensure I end up with the correct length of visible barrel outside of the mantlet.

 

The full breech sub-assembly with the mantlet and muzzle brake dry fitted.