Military Model Scene

Coupled with a magazine, 'The World at War', this is the third in this series of 1/72 models, coupled with an associated magazine, a joint venture between Guideline Publications and IBG.  Well priced, thanks to it being a print publication so attracts no VAT, meaning the kit that comes with it makes the whole package a very good deal for the modeller. The kit is nicely detailed, though one of what I describe as a simplified 'wargames' style model.  In recent years they are proving very successful in the marketplace.  This is the first small scale plastic kit of the early 0-Serie Stug that I can think of.

The Stug III 0-serie was an early experiment in the idea of a Sturmgeschutze, testing the idea.  Only 5 were built, using an armoured chassis from a Pz III Ausf B gun tank, but fitted with only a mild-steel superstructure, on the basis it was for testing and training, it wasn't built to be used in combat.  Powered by a Maybach petrol engine, it proved to be a very useful test vehicle.  It was also fully equipped with armament.  The running gear used 8 rubber rimmed roadwheels, fitted in pairs to bogies sprung with 2x oil dampeners.

The kit comes with a nice magazine, which gives the story of the design and development, and details of Construction, Modifications carried out, power transmission, superstructure, Armament, Electrical System and more.  All of this is provided in dual language throughout with both German and English.

The instructions for the kit are included within the magazine itself and the combination of kit and magazine seems to be working well for World at War publications.  They do also include transfers with the markings for the kit. 

The kit is nicely detailed and assembles very quickly and neatly. The single piece track/running gear parts work well and it is great to have a plastic kit of the Ausf a1 now on the market.  I look forward to seeing what the follow-ups will be but this is looking good.

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I bought mine through Tiger Hobbies here in the UK.

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Robin