Dragon Models 1:72 Armor Collector Series 60318
Krupp Sd.Kfz.142 StuG III Display Model
German Army StuG Abt 177, Eastern Front, 1944 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Krupp Sd.Kfz.142 StuG III | | 3.25" | | 1.75" |
Sturmgeschütz is a German word for "assault gun", abbreviated StuG. They were widely as fire support to infantry, panzer and panzergrenadier units. The vehicle was essentially a tank chassis with a gun, usually a long-barreled 75mm, mounted on it. Due to it not having the gun mounted in a turret, it afforded the crew more space but limited the traverse of the gun, requiring the whole vehicle to turn to aim at a target most of the time. Throughout World War II, especially later in the war, Germany produced more assault guns than tanks, because they were cheaper and quicker to produce due to the lack of a need to put in a revolving turret and the complex machinery, and were almost as effective as tanks. They also provided a use for obsolete tank chassis, most assault guns being mounted on Panzer III and Panzer IV chassis, producing the StuG III and StuG IV, respectively.
The StuG IV is a slightly modified Sturmgeschütz III superstructure mounted on a Panzer IV chassis. Around 1100 were built starting in 1943. The StuG IV was known as a very effective tank killers, especially on the Eastern Front.
Originally designed as a mobile, light gun to provide close infantry support, the StuG III first entered service in 1940. Early models were armed with a modest, low-velocity 75mm StuK 37 L/24 gun, but by the Spring of 1942 the Germans had modified the StuG III with a higher velocity StuK 40 L/43 gun so that it was a better match for Soviet KV-1 and T-34 tanks. The new configuration quickly proved to be an exceptionally effective tank destroyer--cost effective, easily camouflaged and difficult to target. By the spring of 1944, StuG IIIs were responsible for destroying some 20,000 Allied tanks. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Dragon's 1:72 scale StuG III is constructed entirely from plastic for the finest possible detail. Close scrutiny of this model reveals its finer points, such as welding beads between the armor plates and individual hexagonal shaped nuts and bolt ends on the armor's surface. Each side of the hull includes hand-painted equipment and tools such as tow cables, shovels, track repair equipment and spare road wheels. The pivoting cannon has a hollowed muzzle break, and the track system features sprockets and road wheels with simulated rubber tires and individual nuts and bolts. On the underside, the suspension and maintenance panels are clearly visible.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military vehicles. Dragon Armor tanks require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box and is 100% true to scale... these don't look like model tanks, they look like tanks!. Color, camouflage and unit markings are carefully researched for Maximum authenticity, marking the difference between and authentic scale model tank and a "toy" tank.
Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" display model vehicles feature:
- Molded plastic construction (some releases include diecast metal components).
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks and detailed non-rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Clear acrylic display case to protect model.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
