The German Sturmgeschutz was one of the most successful armored fighting vehicles of the Second World War. It arose from an original concept of the pre-war panzer divisions, whereby a special vehicle for infantry support work was planned. During the war years, the Sturmgeschutz was rapidly developed and upgunned, and was used both in its original role as an assault gun and also as a tank destroyer.

The final and by far the most common of the StuG series was the Ausf. G. The upper superstructure was widened: welded boxes on either sides were abandoned. This new superstructure design increased its height to 2160 mm. The back wall of the fighting compartment got straightened, and the ventilation fan on top of the superstructure was relocated to the back of the fighting compartment. From March 1943, the driver's periscope was abandoned. In February 1943, Alkett was joined by MIAG as a second manufacturer. From May 1943, side hull spaced armor plates (Schurzen) were fitted to G models for added armor protection, particularly against Russian anti-tank rifles, but were also useful against hollow-charge ammunition. Side plates were retro-fitted to some Ausf. F/8 models, as they were to be fitted to all front line StuGs and other tanks by June 1943 in preparation for the battle of Kursk. Mountings for the Schurzen proved inadequately strong, as many were lost in the field. From March 1944, an improved mounting was introduced; as a result, side skirts are seen more often with late model Ausf G. From May 1943, 80 mm thick plates were used for frontal armor instead of two plates of 50 mm + 30 mm. However, a backlog of StuGs with completed 50 mm armor existed. For those, a 30 mm additional armour plate still had to be welded or bolted on, until October 1943.

This particular 1:32 scale replica of a German Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G assault gun was attached to 3.Panzer-Grenadier Division, which saw action during the Battle of the Bulge. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 8-1/2-inches
Width: 4-1/4-inches

Release Date: July 2004

Historical Account: "Sturmgeschutz Vor" - The 3.Panzer-Grenadier Division was sent to Italy in June 1943 and fought the Allies at Salerno, Cassino, Anzio and the retreat to Rome before it was sent to France. In France, it fought southeast of Paris before withdrawing to the Saar Basin. Afterwards, the unit was refitted in Germany from November to early December 1944 before being employed in the Battle for the Ardennes. It was subsequently destroyed in the Ruhr pocket in April 1945.