Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G by Veynom, on Flickr

Behind the strange name of Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G (also shortened into "StuG III"), we can find one of the most successful German armored vehicle of WW2. Initially designed as mobile and armored artillery support for infantry, the StuG III quickly revealed itself as a very effective tank destroyer. In fact, it was so successful that it became the most produced German fully-tracked vehicle of WW2, and the 2nd most produced armored vehicle (just behind the Sdkfz 251 half track).

 
Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G by Veynom, on Flickr

So, why manufacturing a tank destroyer when you already have the best tanks around (Panzer IV, Panther, Tiger)?

The answer is quite simple: cost. The StuG III was cheaper and easier to produce than all other more modern German tanks. Still, it could carry the devastating 7.5cm anti-tank gun. Moreover, it offered easy maintenance when on the field. Thanks to that, more than 11,300 units were built (all versions included). This number is to be compared with the number of built Panthers (6,000), Tiger I (1,500), or even with the total number of armored vehicles built on the Panzer IV chassis (8,500).

Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G by Veynom, on Flickr

The Stug III's low profile made it hard to spot and target, as the above picture can illustrate.

Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G by Veynom, on Flickr

The side armored plates are named "Schürzen" and offer additional protection. The Ausf. G version is characterized by the wider superstructure, and the rotating cupola with periscopes. My model depicts an early-to-mid production model. late-production models have a sloped and rounded gun mantlet and a machine gun on top of the structure.

Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G by Veynom, on Flickr

Another characteristic of the StuG III is its capacity to store and carry a lot of equipment behind the superstructure. This was often used to carry spare parts (tracks & wheels), food, water, gas, and ammunition (ok not when in the front line). 

Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G by Veynom, on Flickr

For the build, my model is freely inspired by those from Brickmania (BKM), Custom-Bricks (CB), and other MOCs from the Internet. The minifig and crate stickers are from BKM. The tracks and tanks stickers are from CB. All of my olive green tiles were used for the camo. That was a challenge: it had to look realistic and yet, the model had to hold together.

Enjoy!

This is a great build!

Superb work on the assault gun. Your color use and combining various designs is well done. The scenery fits perfectly and creates a great overall image.

Nice to see such an original design inspired from the best models out there, very well done here with this iconic tank!