1/35 StuG.III Ausf.G Concrete Armored w/Zimmerit

The Sturmgeschütz III (StuG.III) was one of the most successful and most numerous German armoured fighting vehicles of World War II. It was originally conceived as an infantry support vehicle with a fixed gun to destroy fortifications and firing nests. As the war progressed, however, its role shifted towards tank pursuit, especially after it was armed with more powerful guns. The Ausf.G version, produced from December 1942, was the most widely used and longest-produced variant. It featured a simplified design (reducing production costs and time), a lower silhouette compared to the classictanks, and effective armament in the form of the 75mm StuK 40 gun, which could threaten even heavier Soviet tanks.

At the end of the war, when the Wehrmacht was struggling with a shortage of raw materials and the worsening situation on the fronts, some StuG.III Ausf.G machines were equipped with improvised concrete armour protection. This additional layer was intended to increase resistance to anti-tank weapons, especially in urban combat or when defending strong positions where mobility was less important than crew survival. Concrete was applied to the side surfaces and front of the hull, increasing the weight of the vehicle and limiting its mobility, but also providing some protection against cumulative charges and lighter anti-tank weapons. In addition to the concrete, this version is also fitted with a layer of Zimmerit - a special anti-adhesion compound applied to the surface of the armour to prevent magnetic mines from attaching. Zimmerit was used from approximately mid-1943 to September 1944, and its characteristic texture (usually applied in stripes or patterns) is a typical hallmark of German armoured vehicles of this period.

The 1:35 scale Dragon kit depicts this unusual but historically documented variant of the StuG.III Ausf.G. The model offers the opportunity to detail the concrete armour (with its irregular surface and texture), the texture of the Zimmerit and other operational details typical for late war vehicles - wear, damage, paint in field conditions. The 1:35 scale is the standard for military equipment and allows sophisticated work with weathering, pigments and other techniques for a realistic look. The kit is suitable for more experienced modellers who appreciate historical interest and room for creative finish, as well as for those who want to build a less common version of one of the most famous German armored vehicles of the war. The package does not include the paint or glue needed for assembly.