Sd.Kfz. 167 Sturmgeschütz IV
Scale: 1:35
Kit No: 0223
Introduction
The Sturmgeschütz IV was developed on the chassis of the Panzer IV medium tank to provide the German army with an assault gun capable of effectively serving as a tank destroyer in the later stages of World War II. The Stug IV was equipped with a Stuk40 75mm L/48 high-velocity gun installed in a casemate, protected by an armored mantlet, capable of penetrating the armor of major enemy armored vehicles. Distributed to units in the early months of 1944, it supplemented and often replaced the Stug III assault gun, which had experienced a sudden decrease in production in 1943 due to increasingly frequent Allied bomber raids on German industrial areas. Widely employed, the Stug IV was used by armored units and anti-tank detachments of the Wehrmacht, where, thanks to its low profile, it proved to be particularly difficult to identify.
Assembly Instructions
This section provides detailed steps for assembling the model. Please follow the numbered diagrams carefully.
General Advice:
- Study the instructions carefully before assembly.
- Remove parts from the frame with a sharp knife or scissors and trim away excess plastic. Do not pull parts.
- Assemble parts in numerical sequence.
- Use plastic cement only and use it sparingly to avoid damaging the model.
- Black arrows indicate parts to be glued together.
- White arrows indicate on which frame the parts must be assembled without using cement.
- Letters (A - B - C...) indicate on which frame the parts will be found.
- Paint small parts before detaching them from the frame.
- Remove paint where parts are to be cemented.
- Parts crossed out with an 'X' must not be used.
Assembly Steps:
Step 1: Chassis and Suspension Assembly
This step involves assembling the lower hull, road wheels, suspension arms, and drive sprockets. Refer to Diagram 1 for detailed part placement.
Step 2: Idler Wheel and Track Assembly
Assemble the idler wheels and the track components. Refer to Diagram 2.
Step 3: Front Hull and Gun Assembly
Construct the front hull section and assemble the main gun and its associated parts. Refer to Diagram 3.
Step 4: Gun Mantlet and Casemate Assembly
Assemble the gun mantlet and the casemate structure. Refer to Diagram 4.
Step 5: Upper Hull and Engine Deck Assembly
Attach the upper hull components, including the engine deck and various hatches. Refer to Diagram 5.
Step 6: Track Installation
Install the assembled tracks onto the suspension. Refer to Diagram 6.
Step 7: Final Assembly - Lower Hull Details
Attach remaining lower hull details such as towing hooks and pioneer tools. Refer to Diagram 7.
Step 8: Final Assembly - Upper Hull Details
Attach remaining upper hull details, including the commander's cupola, machine gun, and antenna. Refer to Diagram 8.
Step 9: Decal Application
Apply the decals according to the provided markings for different versions. Refer to Diagram 9.
Step 10: Final Touches and Painting
Complete the model with final details and painting. Refer to the suggested color schemes for different versions.
Painting and Decal Options
The kit provides options for several historical paint schemes and markings:
Version A: Sd.Kfz. 167 Sturmgeschütz IV, Wehrmacht unknown unit, Eastern Front, fall 1944.
Version B: Sd.Kfz. 167 Sturmgeschütz IV, 4th Polizei Division, Eastern Front, fall 1944.
Version C: Sd.Kfz. 167 Sturmgeschütz IV, Sturmgeschütz Brigade 279, Germany, February 1945.
Version D: Sd.Kfz. 167 Sturmgeschütz IV, Sturmgeschütz Brigade 912, Courland pocket, February 1945.
Refer to the color charts and diagrams for specific paint codes (F.S. and Italeri Acrylic Paint numbers) and decal placements.
Suggested Colors
For Version A & B:
- Flat Rust: F.S. 37038 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4675AP)
- Panzer Dunkelgelb 1943: F.S. 33440 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4796AP)
- Panzer Schokobran RAL 8017: F.S. 30045 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4797AP)
- Panzer Olivgrun 1943: F.S. 34128 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4798AP)
- MF Gun Metal: F.S. 37200 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4681AP)
- F Rubber: F.S. 26081 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4861AP)
For Version C & D:
- Flat Rust: F.S. 37038 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4675AP)
- Panzer Dunkelgelb 1943: F.S. 33440 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4796AP)
- Panzer Schokobran RAL 8017: F.S. 30045 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4797AP)
- Panzer Olivgrun 1943: F.S. 34128 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4798AP)
- MF Gun Metal: F.S. 37200 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4681AP)
- F Rubber: F.S. 26081 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4861AP)
General Colors:
- Grau RLM 02: F.S. 24226 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4770AP)
- Flat Black: F.S. 37038 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4768AP)
- Flat Wood: F.S. 30257 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4673AP)
- Flat PZ. Olivgrun: F.S. 34128 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4798AP)
- Flat PZ. Schwarzgrau: F.S. 36081 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4795AP)
- Flat PZ. Dunkelgelb: F.S. 33440 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4796AP)
- Flat PZ. Schokobraun: F.S. 30045 (Italeri Acrylic Paint - 4797AP)
Decal Application Instructions
Instructions for applying decals are provided in multiple languages. The general process involves:
- Cutting the required decals from the sheet.
- Dipping them in clean water for approximately 20 seconds.
- Positioning the decals on the model and sliding them off the paper.
- Pressing with a clean cloth for better adhesion and to remove air bubbles.
Customer Service
For defective parts or further assistance, please contact Italeri customer service via their website: www.italeri.com.