Sturmgeschütz III Ausf G Project

[TBowman]

Hi everyone

Here I go getting ahead of myself again. I am happy to say I finally have this vehicle in the collection. Have been wanting on for a long time and was originally going to convert my Armortek Panzer III ti a Stug. However, the Metalbox model has always interested me. With the positive experience with the Opel Blitz and the overall satisfaction with that model and it's quality, The Stug III was an easy choice.

I have seen a few Metalbox Stugs posted on forums and on their web site but had always wanted to see more. Like my Opel Blitz Project thread, I will be posting detail photos along the way and happy to answer any specific questions if I can. For pricing questions, please contact Metalbox directly.

This vehicle will be another Normandy vehicle but unit and branch of service is still undecided. There are several details I will be modifying and may update it to a mid G.

Overall, I am very very pleased. The model is delivered ready to run out of the box and includes the radio. Only batteries are need. Communication with Metalbox was very good and everything went smoothly. Rumour has it that Metalbox is working on several other vehicles for release later this year.

First pictures

delivery






Spare tracks,schurtzen, charger and radio


Fresh out of the crate


A few of the model







with schurtzen
















some details
















A bunch more photos here (yes there are more then I posted) haha
Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

Tim

[Björn Johansson]

Hi Tim
That is one off a hell, good looking vehicle

[Kent W]

Hi Tim,

Ever since I as a 12 year old kid on holiday in eastern Finland visited the Parola Pansar Museum and there for the first time was able to sit in a real WW2 afv, a Stug III with cut out side for easy entrance, a big scale rc Stug III has been on my wish list.

Consider yourself a very lucky man and some sunny day I shall also have a 1:6th all metal good looking Stug III like yours...I hope...

Keep us informed how the Bowmanizing proceed, really looking forward to this.

Kind regards
Kent

[cahlfors]

Fantastic looking!

The parts seem to be very well engineered and there are lots of details. Like the fire extinguisher (I'm into those now...).

How does it perform in terms of moving realistically, top speed etc?

Cheers,
/Chris

[pepppe75]

hi tim!

ohhhhh i allso would llike to have one of these!!;)

the stug III looks realy nice and well done!lcant wait to see mor of this thread!

like kent said it will be put on my wish list to some day.


regards peppe.

[TBowman]

Hi guys

Thanks for the comments. It is a very nice model and a very nice feeling knowing it is already 85-90% there. Some part and detail modifications, welds etc. but not too much to do before paint. I am replacing the sound and electronics. The Stug is chain driven and I like this drive system very much so far. More on the electronics at a later date.

First item on the list is to make new side fender/tread plates with the proper pattern.

some comparison photos. real vs. model











nice wheel construction and detail






Tim

[TBowman]

Hi friends

A Stug commander. It's going to take me a while to settle on one final head sculpt for each commander but here's another test.



regards
Tim

[Björn Johansson]

It´s just go better and better

Seem´s as this is one off the best "out off the box"
AFVS that I´v seen.

I like you´r choice to use Ernst Krueger´s outfit
to you´r Stug Commander it has one off the best
chrusher´s "my opinion that is" another good looking figure

[TBowman]

Hi Bjorn

I have to agree. So far, the Metalbox Stug and Opel Blitz have been the best "out of the box" models I have gotten. The crusher is actually from OneSixth Unique and they are hand made. They are very well made and he offers both Wehrmacht and SS and also some other types of field caps. The one from Ernst is one of eh better Dragon ones though.









http://www.onesixthunique.com/

Here's a younger guy.





tim

[Björn Johansson]

Hi Tim
sorry didn´t see that

Thanks for the link and those close up
pictures, have came across One Sixth Unique
name on and off when I purchase loose stuff
but never bought any off he´s stuff. Will have
to now I can see that.

Great figures

[TBowman]

Hi Bjorn, thanks

I removed the motors and am getting ready to paint the interior before reinstalling the motors and electronics with some minor modifications. Doing this while I inspect areas that will be detailed and/or modified.

Thought I would take some more photos as I go for anyone who might be interested.

swing arm with shock-mount boss




motors










drive wheel inner sprocket


swing arm suspension spring






return roller




exhaust mufflers and shield assembly








lower hull












More soon
Tim

[cahlfors]

Very nice! Looks like there is plenty of room for batteries...

Cheers,
/Chris

[TBowman]

Started drawing some parts in Solidworks for the swing arms but then got distracted by a wheel sitting on my desk. Decided to try adding some things to it.

Here's how it looks now but a few more things to add. Hope to have a swing arm soon too.



A real one. Here you can see the raised center on the wheel and the welds on the connecting tubes.


Some more parts coming soon.



Tim

[TBowman]

Hi guys

Worked on the hub cap and wheel center parts and think I'll go ahead and get these mad as opposed to modifying the kits as in the above wheel photo. The 3T Jack assembly will go out as well and I'm excited to get that and the rear axle for the Blitz too. Should be some good forward progress on both projects finally.

Hub Cap and raised wheel center detail. Bolts are shown for reference only and are not in the actual part. The center, raised part will be bonded to the wheel and a weld/fillet will be added.


Swing Arm Guide Detail Piece


I drew a complete bump stop too but for the moment, I think this smaller piece will be enough when used with the kits aluminum, main stop part. The kits are two-pieces but in real life they are one, cast part.

More soon
Tim

[cahlfors]

NOW I understand what you mean by raised center! Your wheel looks fantastic and adding these last details will make it hard to distinguish from the prototype.

Cheers,
/Chris