Osprey Publishing

Modelling the Sturmgeschutz III (Osprey Modelling #22)

by  Gary Edmundson

Reviewed By  Howie Belkin, IPMS# 16

MSRP: $18.95 Softcover 7.25"x9.75" 80 pages, 35 color and 144 b/w illustrations. With over 9,000 StuG IIIs built during WWII, it's no wonder that it has been a popular subject amongst model companies and modelers. In this book, Gary Edmundson, a member of the Edmonton, Canada chapter of IPMS, provides you with just about everything you need to know to build your StuG III model. The book describes construction of four different 1/35 scale models, a gray III Ausf. B in Russia, a two tone IIID in Africa, a two tone IIIG in Russia and a three tone IIIG in Normandy. The book includes a chapter on tools, a model photo gallery with descriptions of more StuG III versions, a list of museums and collections to see the real thing (and to help you plan your future vacations), list of kits and accessories and finally, color chips of the basic paints and schemes used on StuG IIIs. The fact that the level of work is awesome, inspires rather than intimidates. Mr. Edmundson created a new front fender for his IIIB and used Modelkasten's workable tracks are examples of what I won't do, but he did show me what the mounting hardware behind the gun looks like, and if I build one of StuG. Abt. 192's IIIBs I now know that their distinctive "skull" markings appeared in different colors to distinguish the different companies, and many "featured large wooden anti-ditching beams mounted to each fender." Details like that plus interiors, stowage, method of painting and weathering are all there to emulate as much or as little as you desire to create a better model than you would have. A guaranteed contest winner? Don't get me started… This book is highly recommended and could stand as your one and only StuG III reference book. It's not perfect - it's list of kits and accessories do not include critiques though some appear in the book's text, and there are only two 1/72 scale listings. And like all the excellent Osprey books, they're a little pricey for softcovered books. Available in better hobbyshops and bookstores or go to www.ospreypublishing.com. Many thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copy.

Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®.