StuG. III Ausf. D (z.b.V. 288 Special Unit in North Africa)

One of the three StuG III C/D’s which captured by Allies forces after 5th Army surrendered in Tunisia early May 1943. 

The first lost of StuG III C/D in African campaign.

At the beginning stage of battle of Galaza, this vehicle was on his reconnaissance operation while British troops started the attacks and partially damaged it. The vehicle was then captured by British when they cleaned up the battle field after fights. 

There were totally 3 StuG III C/D have been shipped to North Africa in early 1942 and all of them belonged to 5th kompany of 288 special unit, this organization merged to 90 Leichter Div. before battle of El Alamein.

The exteriors of these 3 vehicles were exactly identical, they were all painted in RAL8000 and had same insignia. 

The StuG III C/D with a Sd.Kfz. 250/6 half track armor vehicle.

This reference photo is a good source for diorama, however, it is not that easy to find a half track kit of Sd.Kfz. 250/6 in marketplace. 

The wreck of StuG III C/D in North African campaign. 

The box art of Bronco which depicts an abandoned StuG III C/D in African campaign.

We could also see a 76.2mm Diana (35038) and a Sd.Kfz. 221 armor vehicle (35013) in this artwork, the Bronco also introduces these two products and maybe it is a good idea in promoting their products on the StuG III’s box art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drawback: the rack for 75mm L/24 gun was too loose, once the modeler glue the metal barrel, the gun cannot be lifted up unless modelers use glue to fix it. 

 

 

Top coat was airbrushed: RAL8000 + camouflage RAL7008. I am not sure whether the StuG III C/D’s in North Africa have camo or not, but the camo was suggested to apply based on instruction sheet. 

Still have a lot of works to do: modifications on chips, weathering wash, and painting the tools & equipments on both fenders. 

 

No rifle lines on the attached metal barrel, so I was curious what the purpose is by introducing a metal barrel ??? 

 

According to reference photos, the 2 rear lights on fenders should be installed, however, the Bronco’s instruction sheet did not ask modelers to glue them.

I chose to glue these rear lights, but another problem occurred; there were not enough room to place the spare road wheels. In the end I could only add a small plastic strip under the spare wheel, only in this way I could place these 2 spare wheels on rear fenders. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is completed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 5 figures are our old friends from Tamiya kit.