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. 

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!