StuG III Ausf. E – RARE VARIANT
Recreate an important early configuration of Germany’s Sturmgeschütz III with this detailed StuG III Ausf. E model. Developed before the familiar long-gun StuG variants, the Ausf. E retained the compact silhouette and short-barrelled armament associated with the vehicle’s original infantry-support mission. Its revised side stowage compartments make it a particularly distinctive choice for early World War II collections.
Historical Role
The StuG III served as a low-profile assault gun supporting Wehrmacht infantry formations. Operating under the artillery arm, it was intended to engage field fortifications, strongpoints and other obstacles with direct high-explosive fire. The Ausf. E belonged to the early-war generation and carried the short 7.5 cm StuK 37 L/24 rather than the longer anti-tank guns fitted to later models.
Distinctive Appearance
The Ausf. E combines a low, fixed fighting compartment with the Panzer III-derived chassis and six-road-wheel suspension. Its short gun, angular superstructure, broad tracks and revised box-like side compartments create a recognisable profile. These side features are especially useful for distinguishing it from earlier configurations and the later long-gun StuG III vehicles.
Variant Differences
Developed as an incremental refinement of the established StuG III design, the Ausf. E retained the existing chassis layout and short infantry-support gun while introducing revised side compartments for equipment and stowage around the fighting compartment. These visible extensions gave crews improved accommodation for operational equipment and mark the vehicle as a transitional early configuration before subsequent variants adopted long-barrelled armament.
Modelling Uses
This rare variant is well suited to early-war dioramas, model railways, historically themed wargaming displays and collectors seeking a less commonly represented StuG III configuration. It can be displayed supporting infantry, moving along a supply route or positioned in a prepared firing location.
Fun Fact
“StuG” is short for Sturmgeschütz, meaning “assault gun.” Although built on a tank-derived chassis, early StuG units belonged to the German artillery arm rather than the Panzer troops.
Available Scales
1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35.
Finish Options
Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, and Historical Base Colour.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
