Stug III Ausf.G "Finnish Army" - Mark Groth

This is Tamiya's kit no. 35310. This was going to be my main build, but when I initially read the instructions I realized that there were no mesh grills included with the kit. So I ran out and purchased the (F1). However, I recently found a source for the grills so I figured, "Why not build the two more or less in tandem?" My builds will probably jump back and forth between the two--should be interesting!

Like the (F1) I'll most likely place this in some sort of vignette, maybe a winter scene (fitting). I've never done snow or any sort of winter camouflage, so....

Again, the box top:


And the contents:


See ya at the workbench!

Mark

Oooooh nice , I think Mel & Richie were going to do a joint build of one of these too .

Jenny

Way to go Mark:

Two at once ! I think I will have problems finishing just one in the next year.

Gary

No way! I am building the same kit

Mark
If you are going to do the three color Finnish camo Life Color has a Finnish set in acrylic. I may be building this as well.

Mel, can't wait to see your start. I've just about finished the lower hull and will post pictures in the next day or so. Also will post some comparison pics of the Tamiya Finn G and the Cyber F1.

Yes, I'm planning on doing the "late" version with the three-color camo. I noticed that Vallejo lists mixes for all three colors on their chart, but premixed from Lifecolor would be so much better

Mark

Another Finnish StuG - Perfect choice of both of you(you and Mel with Richie)
GO, BLUE VANEs, GO!!!

While I'm noodling over and fixing the issues with my (F1), I decided to go ahead and get a jump on the Finnish beastie. Tamiya includes parts to build either of two models: an Early type from April 1944 and a Late type from July 1944. I'm opting for the Late type with its logs on the vehicle sides, lots of spare track links, bolted-on side armor, and concrete on the front of the superstructure. The Tamiya kit is certainly less "engineered" than the Cyber kit, but most of the detail seems to be there. Construction so far has been very straight-forward.

The first three steps cover the suspension arms, front and side armor plates, and the rear area.

Left side showing the suspension:


Left side with addition of the cool armor plates:


Front plate with the addition of the track links from a later step:


Initial work on the rear section:


Completed rear section with installation of the Tamiya screen (not included in kit):


On to steps 6, 7, and 8 and the construction of the superstructure. Unlike the (F1) kit, the Tamiya superstructure is basically one piece with a roof piece to be added later. Tamiya has included a neat plastic template to use for marking the placement of the additional track links and antennae on the rear. Works like a charm

A view from the rear. (Note that the screens have not been added to the intakes yet):


And a view from the front:


I did buy an after-market stowage set from Legend and a 7.5cm StuK 40 L/48 barrel from Armorscale. Given the logs on the sides of the tank I'm modeling and the typical stowage box on the rear, I'm not sure exactly where or how I'll use the stowage components, but they'll come in handy somewhere


Here's the result of steps 9 and 10, constructing the barrel and gun mount. Tamiya parts are in buff, Armorscale in gray:


That's it for this go-round. Stay tuned for more work on this build and on my (F1). Any comments/suggestions are certainly welcomed

Mark

Looking very smart so far Mark!

Cheers
JT

Nice looking StuG you've got there Mark, and enough stowage for several more!

Thanks, Andy! Once I decided to build the later Finnish model with the logs, concrete, and rear storage box, I realized that there wouldn't be much room for the add-on stowage. I'll make some fit, though.

I guess the only solution is to buy more StuGs! "May I have more StuGs, please?"

Mark

Hi Mark:

Ohhh, how did I miss this for over a whole month ? It looks like an excellent start to a great little kit. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with having extra stowage for another StuG. More StuGs is always a good thing I think .

Gary

While I was finishing up my KV-II for the other build, I somehow managed to almost "Finnish" my StuG III for this build. I'm leaving all the assorted wheels and sprockets off this one for painting along with the rubber band tracks. The logs are currently just leaning against the hull for the photos as I'll need to paint behind them before attachment. The tow cables will be draped over the logs and the crank will cover a decal on the rear. I'm going to use the Tamiya-supplied half-figure to fill the open hatch. I think I now have five or six projects ready for the airbrush.





Comments/questions welcomed.

Mark

Your airbrush will be busy Mark! I'm looking forward to it!

Cheers
JT

Great Mark

But one one question
https://i.servimg.com/u/f80/13/29/46/52/finful10.jpg
is there a line or is it an optical illusion??
If there is a line please abrasion her

Cheers.
P.

Good eye, Pavel . . . yes, there's a mold line; in fact, more than one. I haven't cleaned up the logs yet in prep for painting. Don't worry, those will be taken care of.

Mark