Academy 1/35 German StuG IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Version Assault Gun – ACD13522

Academy 1/35 German StuG IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Version Assault Gun Model Kit – ACD13522

Recreate a distinctive German armored fighting vehicle from World War II with the Academy 1/35 German StuG IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Version plastic model kit (ACD13522). This detailed military armor model represents the Sturmgeschütz IV, a low-profile assault gun developed by combining the proven Panzer IV chassis with a fixed fighting compartment and powerful 7.5 cm anti-tank gun.

Academy's early-version StuG IV features a detailed suspension and running gear, a 7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48 main gun, MG34 machine gun, positionable hatches, and flexible vinyl tracks. Four historical finishing options allow modelers to represent German assault guns serving on different fronts during the later stages of World War II.

With its recognizable casemate design, detailed exterior fittings, and compact silhouette, this 1/35 scale StuG IV is an excellent addition to a collection of German WWII tanks, assault guns, and tank destroyers.

Academy StuG IV Early Version Model Kit Features

• 1/35 scale German Sturmgeschütz IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Version
• Academy manufacturer part number 13522
• Detailed Panzer IV-based chassis and lower hull
• Accurately represented fixed fighting compartment and low-profile casemate
• Detailed 7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48 main gun with molded barrel and muzzle brake
• MG34 machine gun and associated exterior fittings
• Detailed road wheels, suspension components, and return rollers
• Flexible vinyl-style tank tracks
• Positionable crew hatches that can be assembled open or closed
• Exterior equipment, tools, and towing cable material
• Slide-molded components for improved detail
• Four historical camouflage and marking options
• Waterslide decals and illustrated assembly instructions
• Completed model approximately 198 mm (7.8 inches) long
• Unassembled plastic model kit requiring glue and paint

History of the German Sturmgeschütz IV

The Sturmgeschütz IV, commonly known as the StuG IV, was a German armored assault gun introduced during the final years of World War II. Officially designated Sd.Kfz. 167, the vehicle combined the chassis of the Panzerkampfwagen IV with a fixed superstructure derived from the successful Sturmgeschütz III assault gun.

The StuG IV emerged partly as a response to wartime production difficulties. Following extensive damage to Alkett's StuG III manufacturing facilities during Allied bombing raids in November 1943, German planners sought alternative methods of maintaining assault gun production.

Using the existing Panzer IV chassis offered a practical solution. Krupp adapted the StuG III-style fighting compartment to fit the Panzer IV hull, producing a vehicle that retained much of the established StuG concept while using components from an existing tank production program.

StuG IV production began in December 1943 and continued until the end of the war in 1945. Approximately 1,100 new vehicles were manufactured, with additional examples assembled using recovered Panzer IV hulls.

StuG IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Production Design

The early-production StuG IV assault gun combined several recognizable design features. Its Panzer IV running gear included eight small road wheels per side, supported by leaf-spring bogie assemblies, while the upper hull carried a low, fixed armored fighting compartment.

Unlike a conventional tank, the StuG IV did not have a fully rotating turret. Instead, its main gun was mounted within the forward-facing casemate, allowing limited horizontal movement without turning the entire vehicle.

This arrangement reduced the vehicle's overall height and simplified construction compared with a turreted tank. The low silhouette also helped crews conceal the vehicle in defensive positions.

The StuG IV featured a distinctive driver's compartment projecting forward on the left side of the superstructure, differentiating it from the related StuG III. Its long-barreled 75 mm gun and compact armored profile gave the vehicle a recognizable appearance on the battlefield.

7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48 Main Gun and Defensive Armament

The StuG IV was armed with the 7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48 gun, a weapon capable of engaging enemy armored vehicles and supporting infantry operations.

The long-barreled gun provided useful anti-tank performance against many Allied armored vehicles, particularly when fired from prepared defensive positions or at favorable engagement angles.

Although originally developed within the German assault gun tradition of providing direct fire support for infantry, vehicles such as the StuG IV increasingly served in anti-tank roles as the war progressed.

The StuG IV also carried an MG34 machine gun for defense against infantry and other close-range threats.

Academy's model reproduces the main gun, muzzle brake, machine gun, and exterior equipment, providing several areas for detailed painting and weathering.

German StuG IV in World War II Combat

The StuG IV entered service during a period when German armored forces faced increasing pressure on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.

Its relatively low profile and effective 75 mm gun made it useful in defensive operations, particularly when crews could take advantage of terrain, concealment, and prepared firing positions.

StuG IV vehicles operated with German assault gun and armored formations during the campaigns of 1944 and 1945, including fighting in France, Eastern Europe, and the final battles of the war.

As German armored vehicle production became increasingly constrained, assault guns such as the StuG III and StuG IV remained important components of the available armored fighting force.

For military history enthusiasts, the StuG IV illustrates how Germany adapted existing armored vehicle designs to meet changing battlefield and industrial requirements.

Four Historical StuG IV Camouflage and Marking Options

Academy's 1/35 StuG IV Early Version includes four historical finishing options representing vehicles from different German formations and operational areas:

• 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division, Normandy, France, 1944: A vehicle representing German operations in Western Europe following the Allied landings.
• 4th SS Polizei Panzergrenadier Division, Greece, Summer 1944: A StuG IV associated with operations in southeastern Europe.
• 4th SS Polizei Panzergrenadier Division, Eastern Front, Autumn 1944: A vehicle representing the later stages of fighting in Eastern Europe.
• Sturmgeschütz Brigade 912, Courland, May 1945: A late-war vehicle identified as "Elabeth."

These options provide a range of historically inspired camouflage and weathering possibilities. Consult the included painting guide and period reference photographs when selecting colors, markings, and equipment arrangements.

Detailed Panzer IV Chassis, Suspension, and Exterior Components

Academy's StuG IV features finely detailed components that reproduce the vehicle's distinctive Panzer IV-based running gear and assault gun superstructure.

The suspension includes separate road wheels, return rollers, drive sprockets, and related components, allowing careful painting of the lower hull and running gear before final assembly.

Flexible tracks simplify construction while reproducing the general appearance of the original vehicle's track system. The main gun features a slide-molded barrel and muzzle brake, while the positionable hatches provide additional display flexibility.

Exterior tools, towing equipment, and small fittings offer opportunities to add visual interest to the finished model. Builders can further customize the vehicle with aftermarket stowage, weathering products, and historically appropriate accessories.

The completed model measures approximately 7.8 inches long, making it suitable for display alongside other 1/35 scale German military vehicles.

Painting and Weathering the Academy StuG IV

The Academy 1/35 StuG IV is an excellent subject for modelers interested in World War II German armor camouflage and weathering.

Many German armored vehicles produced during this period used a Dunkelgelb dark yellow base finish, with camouflage patterns incorporating olive green and red-brown colors. Exact finishes varied according to the period, unit, operating conditions, and available supplies.

Modelers can recreate operational wear using pin washes, dry brushing, dust effects, accumulated mud, metallic track highlights, and restrained paint chipping. Particular attention to the suspension, lower hull, exhaust, exterior tools, and gun assembly can add realism to the finished model.

For a Western Front diorama, the StuG IV can be displayed in a rural road, village, or defensive position. Eastern Front scenes offer additional opportunities for mud, dust, vegetation, and seasonal weathering.

The completed StuG IV pairs well with other German armored vehicles such as the StuG III, Panzer IV, Jagdpanzer IV, Panther, and Tiger I.

Explore more German assault guns, World War II tanks, tank destroyers, and armored vehicle model kits in our Academy Tank & Military Armor Model Kits collection.

Complete Your Academy StuG IV Early Version Model Kit

This Academy 1/35 scale military armor kit requires assembly and painting. Plastic model cement, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately.

For authentic German military camouflage colors, primers, clear coats, washes, pigments, and weathering products, browse our model paints and hobby painting supplies.

Discover additional military tanks, armored vehicles, aircraft, ships, and historical modeling subjects in our Academy Models collection, or explore our complete plastic model kits collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.