{"product_id":"acd13522","title":"Academy 1\/35 German StuG IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Version Assault Gun – ACD13522","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAcademy 1\/35 German StuG IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Version Assault Gun Model Kit – ACD13522\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecreate a distinctive German armored fighting vehicle from World War II with the \u003cstrong\u003eAcademy 1\/35 German StuG IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Version plastic model kit (ACD13522)\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAcademy StuG IV Early Version Model Kit Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/35 scale German Sturmgeschütz IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Version\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcademy manufacturer part number 13522\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed Panzer IV-based chassis and lower hull\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccurately represented fixed fighting compartment and low-profile casemate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed 7.5 cm StuK 40 L\/48 main gun with molded barrel and muzzle brake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMG34 machine gun and associated exterior fittings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed road wheels, suspension components, and return rollers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible vinyl-style tank tracks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePositionable crew hatches that can be assembled open or closed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExterior equipment, tools, and towing cable material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlide-molded components for improved detail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour historical camouflage and marking options\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaterslide decals and illustrated assembly instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompleted model approximately 198 mm (7.8 inches) long\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnassembled plastic model kit requiring glue and paint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory of the German Sturmgeschütz IV\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSturmgeschütz IV, commonly known as the StuG IV\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStuG 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStuG IV Sd.Kfz. 167 Early Production Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early-production \u003cstrong\u003eStuG IV assault gun\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e7.5 cm StuK 40 L\/48 Main Gun and Defensive Armament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StuG IV was armed with the \u003cstrong\u003e7.5 cm StuK 40 L\/48 gun\u003c\/strong\u003e, a weapon capable of engaging enemy armored vehicles and supporting infantry operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StuG IV also carried an MG34 machine gun for defense against infantry and other close-range threats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy's model reproduces the main gun, muzzle brake, machine gun, and exterior equipment, providing several areas for detailed painting and weathering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGerman StuG IV in World War II Combat\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StuG IV entered service during a period when German armored forces faced increasing pressure on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStuG 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor military history enthusiasts, the StuG IV illustrates how Germany adapted existing armored vehicle designs to meet changing battlefield and industrial requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFour Historical StuG IV Camouflage and Marking Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy's 1\/35 StuG IV Early Version includes four historical finishing options representing vehicles from different German formations and operational areas:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e17th SS Panzergrenadier Division, Normandy, France, 1944:\u003c\/strong\u003e A vehicle representing German operations in Western Europe following the Allied landings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4th SS Polizei Panzergrenadier Division, Greece, Summer 1944:\u003c\/strong\u003e A StuG IV associated with operations in southeastern Europe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4th SS Polizei Panzergrenadier Division, Eastern Front, Autumn 1944:\u003c\/strong\u003e A vehicle representing the later stages of fighting in Eastern Europe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSturmgeschütz Brigade 912, Courland, May 1945:\u003c\/strong\u003e A late-war vehicle identified as \"Elabeth.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDetailed Panzer IV Chassis, Suspension, and Exterior Components\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy's StuG IV features finely detailed components that reproduce the vehicle's distinctive Panzer IV-based running gear and assault gun superstructure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlexible 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExterior 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe completed model measures approximately 7.8 inches long, making it suitable for display alongside other 1\/35 scale German military vehicles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePainting and Weathering the Academy StuG IV\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Academy 1\/35 StuG IV is an excellent subject for modelers interested in \u003cstrong\u003eWorld War II German armor camouflage and weathering\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModelers 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe completed StuG IV pairs well with other German armored vehicles such as the StuG III, Panzer IV, Jagdpanzer IV, Panther, and Tiger I.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore more German assault guns, World War II tanks, tank destroyers, and armored vehicle model kits in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/academy-tank-model-kits\"\u003eAcademy Tank \u0026amp; Military Armor Model Kits collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eComplete Your Academy StuG IV Early Version Model Kit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Academy 1\/35 scale military armor kit requires assembly and painting. Plastic model cement, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor authentic German military camouflage colors, primers, clear coats, washes, pigments, and weathering products, browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/paint\"\u003emodel paints and hobby painting supplies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover additional military tanks, armored vehicles, aircraft, ships, and historical modeling subjects in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/academy-models\"\u003eAcademy Models collection\u003c\/a\u003e, or explore our complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plastic-model-kits\"\u003eplastic model kits collection\u003c\/a\u003e at Fusion Scale Hobbies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50944405340416,"sku":"ACD13522","price":47.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/6453\/5552\/files\/ACD13522.jpg?v=1794250064","url":"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/products\/acd13522","provider":"Fusion Scale Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}