| Date of Review |
December 2007 |
| Manufacturer |
DML |
| Subject |
10.5cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf.G |
| Scale |
1/72 |
| Kit Number |
7284 |
| Primary Media |
140 parts (132 in grey styrene, 5 etched
brass, 2 DS plastic track runs) |
| Pros |
Totally new kit of this vehicle in
this scale brings quality of the "Smart Kit" to
a 1/72 scale model; offers parts for both StuG III Ausf.
G Early or StuH III |
| Cons |
Probably not enough brass or options
for some modelers |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate |
| MSRP (USD) |
$13.98 |
I am always a bit surprised when DML comes out with what is
a nice kit of a popular subject and then goes back to "tweak" the
kit a bit here and there to make it even better. This kit came
out a few months ago and seemed to be right on the money, but
DML "tweaked it" in some areas when it released the
companion piece to their very nice StuG III Ausf. G Early Production
kit (No. 7283).
The new kit has modified "A" and "B" sprues
that now provide for both kits in one box (only one model is
possible) but the modeler now has a choice – much like
the original Tamiya StuG III/StuG III kit of 35 years ago – to
built it up as either the gun or howitzer variant. The howitzer
barrel and parts are "slide molded" on the "A" sprue
and the 7.5 cm parts are now on the "B" sprue. A
new bolted heavy armored bow section is also included.
The rest of the kit remains as before. All of the crew access
hatches are provided as separate parts, but here only the ventilators
on the rear deck are provided as separate bits. It provides
the "early production" features of the Ausf. G (e.g.
the angular gun mantelet/recoil cover) but only a minimal amount
of interior detail (the basic gun, recoil mechanism and mounting.)
The running gear is very nicely done with molded detail on
both sides of the road wheels (all separate) and the return
rollers, while molded in pairs, are "slide molded" to
capture the front side details. This kit now a choice in the
front glacis panels, but as before they come molded together.
The fenders are separate as are most of the fender details,
and the side radiator air intakes are provided both open with
mesh grille brass parts and closed and sealed. The casemate
is relatively complete with a pair of artillery binoculars
("rabbit ears") included for the commander. This
kit does include the loader's machine gun shield but not the
machine gun.
The tracks are DML's DS plastic and represent the 40 cm tracks
as near as I can determine. As this is a "first look" I
cannot vouch for their fit, but DML in the past cuts them a
bit long to allow for sag when installed.
Two finishing options are provided: Unidentified unit, Germany
1945 (sand with small red-brown and green patches, and plain
crosses) and Unidentified Unit, Ardennes 1944 ("Ambush" scheme,
white 132). A very small sheet of Cartograf decals is included.
Overall this kit should be even better received than the original,
but modelers who change their minds will need new decals to
finish it correctly.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Sprue layout:
- A 53 StuH III fenders and hull details
- B 33 StuG III gun, casemate and hatch details
- D 44 StuG III wheels
- E 2 DS plastic track runs
- J 2 StuG III lower hull pan and casemate
- MA 5 Etched brass
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