Andrew C's Build #2 - DML/CH 6454 StuH 42 w/Zim - Alkett March 1944 Production

I've decided I'll have a go at finishing more than one StuG for this Group Build

For my next build, I've decided on a StuH 42, but will be moving the production date to March 1944. I'll be kitbashing, and using several AM items to do this

Pic time

The Kit



Unstarted with dated newspaper



The sprues





























The Instructions











I'll also be referring to these instructions



Additional Parts

Alkett type fenders and fender mounts



New tooling final drive covers



Towing C-Hooks



Second type Schurzen and mounts



Engine deck stowage rack



Alkett first type metal return rollers



Armorscale 10.5cm StuH barrel with Topfblende cast mantlet



PanzerArt StuH 42 barrel with canvas cover



Eureka tow cable



Friul tracks



PanzerArt Pz III/StuG III late drive sprockets



At this stage I have no idea for paint scheme and a dio

Andrew

I've already made a start on this

Here are initial progress pics







This is where is sits currently. I'm working on the rear hull at the moment. I've added plastic rod to simulate studs that were on the hull in preparation for the new tow coupling and notched the rear mufflers. I'll be adding chain to the tow pintles too.



Next update after some sleep

Andrew

Looking good Andrew, always liked the StuH 42 so nice to see another one being added to the GB

This is the same model I've given to young Leon, but he'll (we'll) be building OOTB.

Simon

Thanks guys

I've always liked the StuH too. I thought it was strange that no one has put one on the bench yet (then again, we aren't even a month into the GB yet

Simon, it is a nice kit, you can build it accurate for a September/October 1943 (apart from the fenders/mounts) OOB. I have a spare set of pressed fender mounts (from the old Imperial StuH kit) that you can have to make it accurate?

Andrew

That's interesting Andrew.

Simon

Gee ya crank 'em out Andrew, Looks good. I've often looked at this one.. Hmmm, I wonder? Keep up the good work. Dean

build, build...go, go.... sleeping is wasting of time

Thanks for the positive feedback guys

Dean, as with all DML/CH kits, the StuH has it's pros and cons. Still worth getting in my opinion

Update time, I'm a little behind in posting on here

First up, the rear bulkhead. Modifications to the StuH kit involved notching the rear mufflers (Alkett 03.44 - End, note for those building Miag StuGs 12.43 - End) and adding the 8 studs in preparation for the wide tow bar (Alkett 03.44 - 12.44, Miag 12.43 - 11.44) I used 0.5mm styrene rod to represent the towing studs. I'm not too sure how accurately the DML mufflers are to scale, when measuring against the 1/35 scale plans in the Muller and Zimmermann Sturmgeschutz book to mark the notches, they appear to be a couple of mm's too short Tow pintle chains added using 42 links/inch chain and 5 amp fuse wire



As of April 1943 Alkett eliminated the circular hatch for draining the engine coolant. Hatch circled in red



Hatch eliminated



Fenders mostly complete, only require tow cables to be added. Note the C-Hooks added, these were introduced on Ausf G StuGs as of May 1943. Also, see the positioning of the fire extingusher (diagonally to the rear inside), this is the correct for Alkett Ausf Gs produced from March 1943 until August 1944.



Here's pics with the Armorscale mantlet, Panzerart barrel with canvas, and the breech assembly complete







I've done a bit more, I need to take pics of where I'm up to. I reckon a few more days at the bench, and construction will be complete.

I did notice however, I have the wrong Friuls for this build I was going to be using ATL-28, but it turms out, I need ATL-27. It will probably be the new year before I order those

Andrew

Superbness !!!! I am thinking that the Stug I am building needs to have a replacement stug added in its place in the stash and I am very tempted to get this one .

Jenny

Thanks Jenny

I think you'd be better replacing it with this one when it comes out



Andrew

That's going well Andrew, making good progress!

Cheers
JT

Thanks John

I seem to run a few days behind posting here. Too lazy to upload pics to photobucket

I've now finished the greater majority of construction of the StuH. I need to paint the interior before sealing it up, and adding the schurzen mounts and last few pieces

Here's pics to update

Little disappointed on the QC at PanzerArt :/ How did this make it out of the factory? Have filled it with some MIG acrylic resin.



Wheels complete



Alkett 1st pattern steel return rollers



I like to paste up the underside of hatches using MIG acrylic resin



Fitted a MP40 to rear bulkhead - missing from this kit. Taken from spares box. Made a bracket from Tamiya masking tape





Roof on



I made the commanders hatch a field mod version, by slightly notching the upper ring where the hatch hinges and by not fitting the rubber stopper part. This field mod was adopted to remove a shot trap



Rear stowage rack fitted. My soldering wasn't too flash on it. I need to invest in more clamps



The forward hatch mounts to the pin on the rear of the gunshield. I drilled out the hole using a 0.5mm bit



Here it is as it sits currently, most components are only dryfitted. A few parts have been secured using PVA glue for pic purposes













I've put this into a clip-loc storage box to keep the dust off it. My plan is to build a couple more StuGs, then paint all of them at the same time. I'm a shocker when it comes to mixing paint to airbrush. I either have to quickly mix more, or end up tipping out 50%-60%

Andrew

Kudos, Andrew, nice job so far!

Mark

Looks great Andrew ..Can't wait to see it all painted up.

Rick

Hiya Andrew:

It looks like you have a great little heavy hitter there. And I must say that the newer Dragon kits are about 267 bazillion light years better than their first offerings . And I wouldn't worry to much about the soldering either. In the field the Germans were usually not as precise as they were in the factorys, and you could see anything from superb welding jobs, to something a half blind Russian worker would be ashamed of .It really looks good. Now we just have to wait for a bit to see it in color.

Gary

Update time

I've been getting some paint on the interior

Firstly, rattle can white primer









Then colour. This is my first time using Lifecolor paints. I think I may be a convert lol



I'll let it harden for another day or two, before doing some detail painting and weathering, then seal it up ready to start with final construction. I still need to add the Schurzen rails

Andrew

Hi Andrew:

That seems like a real nice base for a bit of detail painting, along with some scratchin and scraping a bit here and there on the insides.

Gary

 12 days left for this GB, and I haven't got a StuG finished  

I've decided to make a last ditch effort to get this one over the line  

I'd done a bit more work to it, but hadn't posted an update here. I've detailed painted the interior, and given it a wash. Yesterday I gave the interior a coat of Gunze Clear Flat. Later today, once the flat coat has hardened, I'll seal the upper and lower hull together to begin final construction.

I've also had a change in plan on the tracks. Funds and time have run short to get the set of required Friuls. I've found an eligible set of DML magic tracks that I'll use instead

Right, here is the pic update  













Hopefully next update will see the construction completed and ready for paint!

Andrew