After so much laughing and joking on Dragon's latest announcement - a green-capped Jagdtiger that hadn't left its hat on when first released - it is now only fair that we again pay due homage to this manufacturer, the one that virtually invented this hobby of ours, and now keeps it up and kicking with top-quality models such as this one: a StuG IV.
This release represents a late production version, and is as accurate and detailed as a 1/72 model can be. This little state-of -the-art gem for our shelves also exhibits a finely applied paint job, and has a lady's name on both sides of the "Saukopf" - Kunigunde. This vehicle is modelled from a real one that was photographed near Rimling (Rimlingen in German) in Alsace on January 15, 1945. As you can see, this portrait of Kunigunde depicts the lady at a time far removed from her prime!
The lack of zimmerit is correct for a late version StuG (and for Kunigunde herself!), and the vehicle belonged to SS-PzAbt 17, a unit in 17.SS-PzGrenDiv "Götz von Berlichingen". This division was involved in heavy fighting against the Americans in Alsace, as it took part in Operation Nordwind, the last German offensive in the West. This operation was destined to break through the US 7th Army, and did manage to push it back and into defensive positions. However, chronic lack of fuel, supplies, munition, etc., plus the arrival of reinforcements from the Ardennes, finally forced the Germans to withdraw across Alsace and into Bavaria.
See how Dragon has identified this unit as 17th Panzer Grenadier Division, and that the missing "SS" is nowhere to be found. I'm afraid this is not an error, as Dragon never mentions these notorious "runes" in any of their models, as far as I know. Maybe the term "SS" is also forbidden in some countries, as is the swastika?
To conclude: a gorgeous model of a broken lady!
