Tamiya 35199 - 1:35 StuG III Photo-Etched Set

Tamiya photo-etched set for the StuG III Ausf.G kit (35197) in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35199 is a photo-etched sheet designed for the Tamiya StuG III Ausf.G assault gun kit (35197) in 1:35 scale. The instructions of the base kit refer to this set as a complement, so using it is part of the build path envisaged by the manufacturer.

The sheet contains engine air intake meshes and grilles, intake and exhaust covers, and anti-aircraft sights for MG34 and MG42 machine guns. The set does not include Schürzen side skirts. This is an upgrade accessory — the base kit is not included and is purchased separately.

What is in the box:

• Photo-etched sheet with engine air intake meshes and grilles
• Air intake and exhaust covers
• Anti-aircraft sights for MG34 and MG42 machine guns
• Illustrated instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35199
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Intended for: Tamiya StuG III Ausf.G (35197)
• Type: photo-etched parts
• Material: thin metal sheet
• Released: 1995
• Base kit sold separately, not included

Photo-etched parts – a thin metal sheet instead of moulded plastic

Photo-etched parts are made by etching a pattern into a thin metal sheet, so meshes, grilles and covers have a thickness close to true scale — impossible in injection moulding, where mould requirements force the detail to be much heavier. It shows most clearly on small open parts such as machine gun anti-aircraft sights, which always come out chunky in plastic.

A bending tool, or a metal ruler and fine tweezers, helps when folding the parts. Cut them from the sheet with a modelling knife on a hard surface and attach them with cyanoacrylate glue. Degreasing the surface and using a primer intended for metal works well before painting.

About the vehicle – Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G:

The StuG III was the most numerous German armoured vehicle of the Second World War. Built on the Panzer III chassis, it was originally intended to support infantry with direct fire: it had no turret, and the gun sat in a low, well-armoured superstructure. The low silhouette made it easy to conceal and well suited to ambush tactics.

From 1942 the vehicle received the long-barrelled 7.5 cm StuK 40 and became an effective tank destroyer. The Ausf.G, produced from December 1942 until the end of the war, was the most numerous version, with a new superstructure and commander cupola, a machine gun shield and, in time, the Saukopf mantlet and side skirts. Late vehicles carried an MG34 or MG42 machine gun with a shield and an anti-aircraft sight.

StuG III assault guns fought on every front — from Russia through Italy to Normandy and the defence of the Reich — and were among the most effective German armoured vehicles in terms of enemy tanks destroyed.

Original vehicle specifications (StuG III Ausf.G):

• Combat weight: approx. 23.9 t
• Length with gun: approx. 6.85 m
• Hull length: approx. 5.56 m
• Width: approx. 2.95 m
• Height: approx. 2.16 m
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48 gun
• Secondary armament: 7.92 mm MG 34 or MG 42 machine gun
• Engine: Maybach HL 120 TRM, approx. 300 hp
• Top speed: approx. 40 km/h on road
• Range: approx. 155 km on road
• Armour: up to 80 mm at the front
• Ausf.G production: approx. 7,700 vehicles (1942–1945)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya is a Japanese manufacturer of models and modelling accessories based in Shizuoka, active since 1946 and producing plastic kits since the early 1960s. The 1:35 Military Miniature Series is one of the pillars of its catalogue. Alongside the kits themselves, Tamiya offers paints, cements, tools and upgrade accessories such as photo-etched parts, turned brass projectiles and individual track links. These accessories are designed around specific kits from the company catalogue, so the fit is predictable and the instructions are clear. Careful parts fit and well-prepared documentation remain the hallmarks of the brand.