1941 StuG III Ausf B

[PainlessWolf]

Alpha,
The MATO parts pricing is from MatoMart. The Taigen parts and pricing are from Artistic Hobbies. Either set will work and for the pricing listed include the metal wheels and rubber tires. It's pricey stuff but I know that the StuG would be quite a smooth runner with it.
regards,
Painless

[billpe]

Is it possible to get the mato metal lower with those nice looking brass gearboxes they make?

[ALPHA]

Alpha,
The MATO parts pricing is from MatoMart. The Taigen parts and pricing are from Artistic Hobbies. Either set will work and for the pricing listed include the metal wheels and rubber tires. It's pricey stuff but I know that the StuG would be quite a smooth runner with it.
regards,
Painless

My mistake was getting the Taigen...thought it was cheaper ...but found in the long run getting the Mato when it was on sale for 150 free ship would have been a better foundation...just because it has everything...The Taigen ...for me anyway has been an ala carte nightmare ...the major components were easily acquired...but not so easily fine tuned and installed ...plus since the Taigen is made more for the Panzer III...it doesn't have the front armor...so I had to get those separately as well
Basically I've done all the drudgery ....and kind of have a good feeling on which way I should have gone

Anyway...the build is moving....but don't think it will be anything compared to yours when finished

ALPHA

[ALPHA]

Is it possible to get the mato metal lower with those nice looking brass gearboxes they make?

I think you can Bill...not sure you'd want too from what I've read here about those gearboxes ...black metal would be my choice ...but since I'm using the HL Stug as a donor tank ...and that one comes with the white metal gears

ALPHA

[billpe]

I've not heard anything bad about them. They look pretty robust.

[ALPHA]

I've not heard anything bad about them. They look pretty robust.

From what I've been reading recently ..the frames flex ...sometimes causing the gears to disengage ...think there was a lot of banter on it on Michaels Maus build

ALPHA

[PainlessWolf]

Good Morning, Billpe, Alpha,
Every consideration is open at the moment. The pricing for the Mato parts I mentioned last night does not include the gearbox. I was thinking a set of the black steel gears but will look at the brass box if I get a Mato lower hull. Even with metal running gear, this StuG will never approach the weight of Michael's Maus or the 'Crackerbox Palace'. One thing that is making me lean towards the Taigen hull is that the molded pieces for the tow shackles in the front will need to be removed to make room for the unique early ones that this StuG uses. Easy to do with plastic over armor, not so much with cast metal. Also, this StuG does not have any additional armor plating up front. If that is cast on with the Mato hull, something else to remove.
regards,
Painless

[billpe]

Sounds like the Taigan is the best option unless you're handy with an angle grinder!

[PainlessWolf]

Billpe,
I have a grinder and a sander but my favorite tool for this kind of work is either a Dremel or a flat file. This is going to be a sweet addition to my collection and my first assault gun\tank destroyer.
regards,
Painless

[rayzzer-b]

HI""Painless ' dam good job ,, think i can feel another build coming if i can find a damaged or none runner then i will be doing this '' Love it '' the electronics whats in side ?? Regards 'Ray ,