Saturday, February 16, 2013

DML StuG IV Early with Zim - WIP


DML StuG IV Early with zimmerit WIP.  The original DS tracks (solid guide horn) were used for the JagdPanzer IV L/70 (A).  All of the photo references for the early StuG show open guide horn tracks so the open guide horn tracks from the DML StuG IV late were used here, although some of the spare tracks still have the solid guide horn.

So far, the kit has gone together fairly well.  As has been noted elsewhere, the mounting points for the base of the StuK 40 locates that guns off-centered to the loader's side, so they were removed and the gun moved towards the commander's side of the vehicle (unfortunately after the initial mounting of the same).  The gunner's site also will need adjust to fit through the opening in the top of the casement.  Also, as also has been noted elsewhere, there is a gap between the casement and upper glacis plate which was filled with plastic card.  Some trimming was required to get the rear fenders to fit.  The top of the brackets for the spare wheel holder were either broken or inadvertently sheared off, so replacement is still needed.  The AMPS Central SC "Wildcats" group-build guide to the StuG IV was used as a very valuable reference in determining initial, early, mid, late, etc., part selection, as well as identifying some errors in the instructions (there were a few others as well).  Overall, however, this is a nice kit.