Review
This offering from MiniArt arrives in a robust cardboard tray, with a separate card lid. Inside the model parts are packaged within a single plastic bag. The decals are unfortunately packaged with the clear sprue, which I do not like due to the risk of damage. But the photo etch is well protected in a card envelope. An examination of the contents reveals no major issues with the mouldings. However, due to this being a 1/72nd scale kit there are some extremely small parts, some very fragile parts and these are obviously at risk of breakage when being removed or roughly handled in the post for that the gates are of a small size, and so you have a fighting chance not damaging any of the parts.
MiniArt has released a number of Stug IIIs in this scale now and so when tackling your build be very careful of selecting the correct part for the correct place. The hull of the model is made up of 5 panels in the case of the lower portion of the hull, with a number of additional panels to make up the top. This has enabled MiniArt to provide a high level of detail through a mix of construction parts and moulded detail. If I had one complaint about the model it is that despite the high parts count the crew hatches at the front of the hull are moulded closed. The suspension is fixed, with bump stops and the like provided separately. The wheels are all moulded in 2 parts, and in the case of the drive wheel there is an option as to which face plate to use. The tracks for the kit have been provided as link and length which provides the modeller with a high degree of detail, with natural track sag built in but may cause somebodies eyesight to struggle.
The air intakes on the engine deck have been provided as photo etched grilles, which I approve of and the various covers on the engine deck are separate parts again with an option of which types to use. Internal detail is restricted to a gun mount, which is not accurate but it is functional. The crew area of the model has again been tackled in a multi part manner, and has enabled MiniArt to impart good surface detail and also made it possible for MiniArt to provide many different versions of the vehicle at an affordable price.
The hatches for the gunner and commander have been provided with the option of having them open or closed. Obviously you will need to install a figure to hide the lack of interior. I will say that the MG34 provided with a drum magazine which is extremely well detailed. Stowage on the vehicle is varied, with different set ups on the side of the casemate depending on which version you are building, with spare wheels or spare tracks stowed there and also providing extra armour. Spare wheels are also provided for stowage on the rear engine deck using the long bolt studs, welded to the engine covers and then the wheels slipped on to them. The tow cables and arials are not provided in the model, but you are left to choose the materials you wish to utilise. In the case of the tow cables you have been provided with moulded towing eyes, and there are some extremely detailed cables on the after market sales. You have been provided with the correct length for the ariales - they suggest I believe stretched sprues but if you have a cat I would keep an eye out for cat whiskers as they are brilliant for this scale of model. The tools are provided separately, and so that gives you some options on how you wish to display them. A good amount of track links are provided for use as added armour and lastly the Schürzen has been provided as individual pieces and so can be mounted or displayed as the modeller desires.
MiniArt has provided 5 finishing options for this release:
10th Panzer Division “Frundsberg”, 2/Stug.Abt.10, France 1943
Stug Abt. 276. Eastern Front, Autumn 1943
Stug Abt. 277. Eastern Front, Ukraine, Autumn 1943
10th Panzer Division “Frundsberg”, 8/Panzer Regiment 10, Eastern Front, Ukraine. Spring 1944
Stug Brig. 322. Eastern Front, 1944
Conclusion
This Stug release from MiniArt as with the previous releases are not easy kits. They have been designed to a high tolerance, with a very large quantity of detail that is either moulded on or needs to be attached. There are options built within the model, depending on how you wish to finish it, which means you need to be alert. The only negative that I can throw at the kit is that the drivers and radio operator’s hatches are moulded closed. However, on the high side, you have high quality detail, vents are photo etch as is the add on armour. The link and length tracks with moulded in track sag are a high point, and I particularly like the detail on the MG34 on top of the case-mate. Definitely worth tackling if you have the required skill set.