StuG III Ausf. B Scale Kit - Tamiya 35281 - 1/35 German Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. B Military Model Kit  [35281]

Background and combat use of the StuG III Ausf. B

The Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. B began life as a purpose-built assault gun on the Panzer III running gear. Its fixed L24 75mm short gun and lack of a revolving turret lowered its profile and simplified production, suiting it for direct fire support and anti-armour roles.

Introduced in June 1940, the Ausf. B saw a production run of 250 units as the first mass-produced variant. It ran on broad tracks and used a Maybach HL 120 TRM engine delivering 230hp, capable of roughly 40km/h. The vehicle featured in early campaigns including the Balkans and the 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union. Total StuG III production across variants passed the 10,000 mark.

What the model delivers for modellers

Tamiya's 1/35 interpretation reproduces both external and select internal details. The kit supplies an aluminium gun barrel and a photo-etched mesh for the engine intake, adding texture and realism. Internal moulding shows elements like the loader device and the wireless set.

The suspension is modelled as a swing-arm system, and the kit offers three decal sets plus a commander figure so you can personalise the build. The main gun can be posed up or down after assembly to suit your display style.