Post by maschinenkrueger on Jan 19, 2016 11:29:59 GMT -5
This is a project I have been wanting to build for a couple of years. The base kit is the Dragon 6749 from 2013. I'm glad I waited - I really needed up my skill set to tackle this one. There has been quite a bit of unexpected work to correct and detail the base kit. There is still a bit of detail l work that needs to be done. Panzer Tracts 8-1 has been invaluable for this build.
The StuiG 33s were based on refurbished StuG III ausf B thru E hulls. Dragon conveniently provides you with a PzIII hull with side escape hatches. Thanks. I also had to correct the armored brackets that hold the sliding gun plate and added some missing welds. I'm going to replace the MG with one with a covered sleeve.
The kit provides the Ausf E style small hinge brake access hatches. The ref photo I am working from shows the earlier large hatch hinges. I used parts from an old Imperial StuG B and cobbled together hatch hinges from the spares box. I still need to add the gun travel lock but both the kit and the PE set have incorrect details. One of the hinges is intentionally missing based on ref photos. The travel lock sits right on top of the hinge. It is unclear if this was welded or bolted shut. Most likely bolted as they still needed to service these things since the transmissions were already old. This isn't an issue on the small hinge versions as the mount is right in between the knuckles.
Tracks are MasterClub. These were the easiest things to put together ever. I had both runs done in about 4 hours while watching TV. Great details.
Both stowage box lids open and close. Still need to add the small latches. Still need to work on the tool clasps and figure out stowage.
Not all details turned out as nice as the hinges though. I had one side of PE fenders soldered up - took hours - working hinges and everything - and they just would not fit right. There were huge gaps under the fenders against the side walls, and numerous alignment issues when I tried to fit the fighting compartment. I could not chase down the source so In frustration I gave up and used the kit fenders. I think the StuiG had additional sheet metal plates formed on the inside but there is no real reference in this area.
Idler is from the Tamiya StuG Ausf B. Fighting compartment has not been glued down as I plan to paint the interior. The large stowage box are the kit parts reworked to represent the wooden style stowage box. I'm still unclear how high this sits if it hovers over the armored vents or rests on top. The are no clear images I can find of the rear deck with the large box installed. Many are missing but have the brackets. I imagine the crews removed them as it would have been a real pain to service and refuel with the box in the way.
The StuiG 33s were based on refurbished StuG III ausf B thru E hulls. Dragon conveniently provides you with a PzIII hull with side escape hatches. Thanks. I also had to correct the armored brackets that hold the sliding gun plate and added some missing welds. I'm going to replace the MG with one with a covered sleeve.
The kit provides the Ausf E style small hinge brake access hatches. The ref photo I am working from shows the earlier large hatch hinges. I used parts from an old Imperial StuG B and cobbled together hatch hinges from the spares box. I still need to add the gun travel lock but both the kit and the PE set have incorrect details. One of the hinges is intentionally missing based on ref photos. The travel lock sits right on top of the hinge. It is unclear if this was welded or bolted shut. Most likely bolted as they still needed to service these things since the transmissions were already old. This isn't an issue on the small hinge versions as the mount is right in between the knuckles.
Tracks are MasterClub. These were the easiest things to put together ever. I had both runs done in about 4 hours while watching TV. Great details.
Both stowage box lids open and close. Still need to add the small latches. Still need to work on the tool clasps and figure out stowage.
Not all details turned out as nice as the hinges though. I had one side of PE fenders soldered up - took hours - working hinges and everything - and they just would not fit right. There were huge gaps under the fenders against the side walls, and numerous alignment issues when I tried to fit the fighting compartment. I could not chase down the source so In frustration I gave up and used the kit fenders. I think the StuiG had additional sheet metal plates formed on the inside but there is no real reference in this area.
Idler is from the Tamiya StuG Ausf B. Fighting compartment has not been glued down as I plan to paint the interior. The large stowage box are the kit parts reworked to represent the wooden style stowage box. I'm still unclear how high this sits if it hovers over the armored vents or rests on top. The are no clear images I can find of the rear deck with the large box installed. Many are missing but have the brackets. I imagine the crews removed them as it would have been a real pain to service and refuel with the box in the way.
