Dragon - 1:35 StuG.III Ausf.G #6581

[Rekky]

Hi Everyone,

So a week or so ago I posted my introduction to this forum, and now it's time to share my very first scale model with you all.

I apologise now if this is really basic stuff but I'm new to scale modelling. I do have some modelling skills as I am a wargamer of sorts. So I have build plastic kits before but never anything this indepth or complex.

So please feel free to help me if you see me doing something wrong or if you have built this kit before and can see I am heading towards a problem!

So let's have a look at what I have.

I have done some basic research, and want to build a semi realistic StuG but I am by no means a river counter, so please those of you who are go easy on me!

As you may be able to tell I am planning to approximate a MIAG StuGIII. I have found a couple of photos on google for those who, like me, are not familiar with the exact Make and Model!



First impressions of the contents of the box! That's a lot of parts! I'm used to building gaming pieces which have maybe 30-40 parts for the entire vehicle, and that's a big one! This has so much stuff in the box it's a little daunting!


So to go with the base kit I have also purchased some Eduard Photo Etch Upgrades, I've never worked with photo etch before, so I do think I may have bitten off more than I can chew with this!


I also bought some correct Zimmerit pattern resin for my MIAG StuG from Atak Models. I've worked with resin before so this doesn't really scare me, however there isn't any instructions!


And finally I bought a metal barrel from RB(?)!


So the Dragon instructions aren't the easiest to read but I am an Engineer so I am used to complex drawings but even so it was a little bit daunting opening the instructions and seeing this mass of exploded diagrams.

So I cracked on with making the road wheels, idler sprockets etc. While tedious I still enjoyed this, almost a slow introduction to the kit. However by the end I was ready for a change of scenery!


Once I had complete all the wheels, I started on the next stage of the build the suspension. This was ok, I enjoyed this! However I forgot to stick the resin zimmerit for this area on first! I didn't even think to look at the zimmerit at this stage but you live and learn!


So the photo above the zimmerit is just sitting in place, it is not actually glued. I want a used tank, rather than a fresh of the line tank! So I think I need to do some wearing in the zimmerit at this stage. I haven't got a finished picture in my head, but I do have the idea of a StuG that's seen use but hasn't been overly damaged or abused. I haven't done any weathering before so this will be a new experience too!

So not a lot to show so far but bear with me, I am enjoying it so far and will hopefully have more to show in the near future!

Cheers for looking, feel free to poke me in the right direction if you feel I need it!

Rekky!

[AchtungPanzer]

Oh Yeah ! Great Kit - Will be extra StuG ! Good luck

[trekfanj]

It looks like you're on the right track so far!
I will follow your build progress, and if possible, offer advice when necessary.
Don't worry, I'm not a rivet counter, either.
Best of luck!

[WirbelwindModelling]

Dragon kit, photoetch, resin zimmeritt, and a metal gun barrel all in your first build???

Jeeeeeeeeeeeeez man not making life easy for yourself here

Well we're all here to help you if yo need it

Best of luck

P.S I am a bit of a closet rivet counter so I'll keep anything to myself unless you want to know, anyway from the research you have already done yourself I think you'll be fine

[bradsbunker]

This will look very impressive with the ATAK Zimmerit! and all that PE.

Ill be watching this one.

[PaulAyrey]

A great kit, look forward to your progress!