Andrew C's Build - Resupply on the Eastern Front - StuG III Ausf F/8

This is my entry into the GB

Proof of the unstarted kit



I'm basing the build from this pic (Photo credit: Sturmgeschutz, Uwe Fiest. For discussion purposes only)



I'm planning on making a diorama of the scene. I need to source the Plus Model Sd.Kfz.252 conversion, a Sd.Kfz.250 base kit and suitable figures.

I'm using these two books as my main reference; Sturmgeschutz, Uwe Fiest and Sturmgeshutz III Vol. 2 Muller and Zimmermann

Sprue Shots:

I'll be making a start on the build on the weekend. I've got a few other things on to finish before starting on the StuG

Looking forward to the build , I wish that Dragon would just bring out a sd 252 I have been wanting one for a looooong time , the trailer is available with the Trimaster Munitionpanzer I so if you can not get the resin conversion , you should be able to scratch the 252 conversion (will see if I can dig up a scale drawing of it if you like ? )

Jenny

Andrew, looks like a fun build for sure. Looking forward to it!

Cheers
JT

Very ambitious diorama, Andrew--can't wait to see it evolve!

I'm considering a whitewash for one of my Stugs, too, and it'll also be a first for me. Mucho questions coming!

Mark

Hiya Andrew:

It looks like you have a great idea for a great kit. And I also really want to see the 252.

Gary

Thanks for the response everyone. I'm looking forward to this build

I've finally made a start, I'm going to try to stick to the sequence of the instructions (but don't be surprised if I don't! )

As per most AFV kits, construction begins with the road wheels and lower hull.











I've encountered a few errors on the DML instructions

Step 2, you need to add part D11 (Glacis Plate)

Step 2, parts R5 and R6 actually fit to opposite sides shown in the instructions

Step 2, part Q38 is actually Q22

I'll be continuing working on the lower hull today, hopefully more progress pics tonight

Andrew

Hi Andrew:

You have a good start there. And I absolutely understand your frustration at Dragons constant missing/mislabeling/not identifying parts on the instructions. It seems to me that they are doing this with absolutely every kit they are releasing. The Ostwind that I am almost finished with has also got multiple parts that are either misidentified, or worse they show a part to be put on, but no number or anything . Oh well . I guess though that even with those things they still have some really great kits. We just need to pay attention more I guess .


Gary

Andrew, our kits are probably identical except when it comes to the main armament. (I'm building the Cyber Hobby F(1) which was based on the F/8 hull, if I'm not mistaken.)

I noticed the exact same mis-labelings in my instructions . . . so much for Dragon/DML/Cyber Hobby proof-reading between kits.

Mark

I've been a bit slack updating this thread

This post is going to be a bit of a picture-fest, to bring it up to where the F/8 currently sits







































I'm pretty close to completing construction, I just need to add a few parts to the engine deck like crank, wirecutters and the PE mesh for the intakes. Then I'll make a start on the tracks. It turns out I will be using the Winterkettens, I had another look at the reference pics, and noticed they were fitted There is a section of track on the loaders side drive sprocket that appears to be standard track, I'm going to copy this

I've ordered a DML Sd.Kfz.253 Orange Box kit, and Plus Model Sd.Kfz.252 conversion. Depending on the fit (conversion kit is optimized for the Tamiya Sd.kfz.250) I might use it as a template, and have a go at scratchbuilding the conversion myself. I'm starting to look for some suitable figures too

Andrew

Nice, clean build, Andrew! It does look like your kit is a duplicate of mine and I'm in just about at the same stage of construction as you. Did you add the chain to the pintles on the rear? It's a nice touch and really looks good!

I'll post some pics of mine before the weekend. I've run across some real peeves with the F1 kit . . . omissions, instructions, etc. Stay tuned for my rant and, most likely, some more questions

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating today!

Mark

Thanks Mark

Yes, I've come across several more issues with the build

I'll post more details later

Andrew

Hi Andrew , if you are building a Sd.Kfz 252 then you should get this book as it has scale drawings . I was going to scan and email it but then it would be impossible to rescale a printout I guess . A great reference book too

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Schutzenpanzer-Bruce-Culver/9781930571297

Jenny

Thanks for that Jenny That looks like a very useful reference. I have several 251 variants in the stash to build too

I'll have to have words with SWMBO to see if she will buy it for me as a Christmas present

As per the Dragon boxart (African Yellow/Tan) or the cause of much debate(Grey/Green) ? More of these pictures appear in the "Kharkov" book by Jean Reystan. He states that these Stugs were Grey/Green while others state the African scheme. Someone asked Ron Volstad on MissingLynx about this and he replied "This is the scheme that Dragon wanted" so I suppose the choice is yours. The SdKfz 252 is definetly Grey.
Dean

Dean, I'm probably going with the RAL 8020 Yellow brown (Gelbbraun) and RAL 7027 Grey-green (Sandgrau). Lifecolour have both of these shades in their range

According to the Sturmgeschutz book by Muller and Zimmermann, this is correct colouring for the F/8s. I remember reading somewhere that the F/8s were earmarked for Tunisia, but ended up being sent to the Eastern front with the 8020/7027 camo

Andrew

Great!
you have done (you are really speedy gonzales)....I look forward to next progress.

Thanks for the positive comments everyone

As well as the StuH, I've started painting the interior on the F/8 too

Rattle can white primer









Then Lifecolor Elfenbein



Andrew

Hello again Andrew:

I must say that this one looks just as nice as your other StuG.

Gary

Andrew, I just love a good StuG, and this one looks like it's coming along nicely. Any more pictures updating your progress on this beauty?