Review

This release from MiniArt shows a return to their family of Stug III’s - A subject that always appeals to me. The model is packaged in a cardboard tray with a separate card lid. All of the contents with exception of the instruction booklet are packaged in a single plastic bag and you are not going to be surprised that due to the number of different Stug’s released by MiniArt in 1/35th scale there are a lot of sprues in the bag. My pet hate is again present, with the decals packaged in a bag with the clear sprue. Where they would be much better off being packaged in a card envelope with the photo etched fret. The gates on the sprue, between the parts and the sprue are of a small size and in some cases such as the MG34 machine gun exceptionally fine gates. Access for removal of parts is very good, and I do not foresee any major issues as long as care is taken.

This offering from MiniArt does not have an interior, but due to MiniArt having released kits both with and without interiors there are some interior elements located on the model that will aide you in the assembly of the model due to the hull being made with a number of flat panels with very good detail on both faces. MiniArt has included the firewall between the fighting compartment and engine bay that will support the sides of the vehicle and make it easier to get the alignments and positioning accurate. Some of the details on the interior that may surprise you, are the torsion bar housings as you are not going to see them on the model. The use of all these flat panels may make assembly more challenging but has enabled the inclusion of good detail to be moulded as part of them. The exhaust and intakes are very nicely detailed on the model, although in some areas such as the photo etched chain link - I would replace with actual chain even if you cannot get the correct size of chain. As flat chain links always looks odd to me.

The casement of the model is tackled in the same way as the hull, and so there is a considerable number of parts that need to be brought together, which may prove a challenge. All I can say is that the  variant I have built so far went together relatively easily, even though it took a bit more time that I would have thought. The mount for the main gun, is not fully detailed on the inside but is very good on the exterior. The vision ports and periscopes have been provided in clear plastic .

The swing arms of the suspension are designed tom be set in a neutral position, but could with very little effort be set as desired. The wheels are well detailed throughout, and when it comes to the return rollers and road wheels what would be the rubber portion of the wheels have manufacturers marks. The tracks provided in the kit are non workable individual track links, that would appear to be sided. Being individual links does mean that a modified suspension setting can be easily tackled with these tracks. But, I do know that individual track links are not popular with everyone. 

Exterior details such as the tools have been supplied clean in many cases, or with the option of having clamp detail moulded on - So if you are at ease with using photo etch, you have either option open to you. The towing cables have been provided with the end loops in the kit, and photo etch retaining clamps and MiniArt has provided the length of cable required for these   tow cables but has left the decision of what material to use to the modeller. The machine gun mounted on the roof is an MG34, but the barrel detail present is that that would be used to poke through an interior firing port - I believe this just means that the barrel is thicker as air cooling is not provided. But if you can correct me on this - Please do. The main gun of the Stug has been slide moulded in the case of the muzzle brake, meaning that the muzzle is split front and rear with the sleeve ring also needing to be attached in a similar method as used with metal barrels. You are provided with the Schürzen in photo etch, the mounting brackets will enable the hanging of the Schürzen while showing some of the protective panels missing. 

MiniArt has provided 5 finishing options for this release, which are:

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/Pz.Rgt.10 Eastern Front, Ukraine. Spring 1944

Stug Brig. 322. Eastern Front, 1944

Conclusion

I have to confess to a like for the Stugs released by MiniArt in 1/35th scale. I will say that they are not the easiest builds, but if you have the skills needed to build one of these kits and you are not in a hurry to complete it the result can be very pleasing. I really like the details built into the model, as you don’t need to look into purchasing after market items. I am not a fan of separate clamp detail for tools, but if you take you time and go steady, using them is achievable. The fact that interior models are available, means that all the access hatches can be set as desired and so adding a crew is an easy option. Which with a careful choice of crew means that the lack of interior detail does not really matter. My last commendation for the model is that specific finishing options have been covered, which is always a plus for me and the finishing camouflage options are a nice mix.