Having a vague memory of previous build, I'm pretty sure that this Stug is basically the same kit as the one I've built couple of years ago. I also remembered the problems I was having with the tracks. So, this time around I decided to try something different than my usual 'routine' with tanks. Normally when working with armor, I assembly and paint chassis and superstructure separately, then join them together and tidy up the paint job before final steps of varnishing and weathering. As part of 'usual procedure', I also paint the wheels before gluing them in place.
Not this time though; remembering previous build and problems with correct track alignment as well as being curious about the fact that many modellers seem to complete the assembly of the the kit even before priming, I've decided to try doing it that way. Well, having tried that approach, I've got to admit that not having to handle partial paint jobs throughout the assembly process certainly does speed things up! Took me about six hours to have the kit syanding assembled on the table, with most of the time being spent on the track assembly.
The kit fits together superbly, there are no gaps or problems worth mentioning. However. be careful about the direction of the tracks as you glue them into place! Also, heads-up about a bit wierd issue - as it turns out the chassis and superstructure fit pretty good together in two 'positions' - one with front edge of superstructure overlapping the front edge of chassi and the other with superstucture's edge placed behind the front lip of chassis. The assembly instructions are pretty ambivalent about the correct alignment of those two major components and if you do it wrong, the entire backside of the model will simply not fit. OK, so what's the right alternative? The second one, with superstructure front end behind, leaving the front lip of chassis visible from above. Other than that, the assembly is so straight-forward that there really wasn't much point in posting any pictures from that stage of the build. Once the kit was assembled, it was primed in grey and preshaded with black. Not really a good idea actually, as the black undercoat is pretty harsh with German dunkelgelb as base color. Luckily, the disruptive pattern of diluted Olive Green mixed with a touch of white softened the harshness of the preshading. Next, the wood and metal details were painted and that's pretty much where I am right now. Next, gloss varnish and decals, followed by another shot at realistic weathering.
