This all cast resin set replaces the kit styrene plastic parts J8 and J9 in the First To Fight company’s 1/72 scale Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. B kit 006, and the StuG III 0-Series kit 003. First To Fight (FTF) is the only company I am aware that produces these two vehicles in 1/72 scale. [FTF is a sister company of IBG models from Poland.]

The StuG 0-Series were pre-production Sturmgeschütz assault guns made from soft steel so not suitable for combat, only training. The suspension was based on the Panzer III Ausf. B. I understand that the Pz III Ausf. B did see combat use in Poland but only about eight were produced. No StuG 0-Series were used in combat.

The set consists of two cast resin, one-piece combination track and wheels, packed into a clear plastic box, that should pop right onto the kit hull, after cleaning off the pour plug.

Above is the front and back views of the resin MT track set at bottom, still attached to the pour plugs. At the top, in a different shade of gray, is the injection molded track set from the FTF fight kits. The only negative I can see about the MT resin set is that after installation onto the kit hull, the track should be warmed and bent down into a more realistic sag between the return rollers.

The resin track should separate cleanly with a razor saw and sharp blade and clean-up with a fine file. The rods connecting the return rollers to the roadwheels below are to facilitate resin casting and to make the part more durable. Just before assembly these rods should be carefully cut and sanded off. Wash in mild detergent to remove dust and casting lubricant. Glue with cyanoacrylate (super glue).


Above we have the end views of the FTF styrene plastic kit track (part J9) in the center, and the Model Trans resin track set on either side. The resin MT set has a much more realistic look, the wheels are cast with a separation, so they look like a pair of wheels not just thick solid wheels. Molding and production quality look very good.

The 1-piece injection molded wheel & track set is, in my opinion, the main weakness of the two First To Fight model kits. Considering the excellent molding of the FTF model by IBG, the MT track set can help turn these two models into first class display models.

For further information on the FTF StuG III 0-Series kit see the kit preview here.

Be aware that the Pz. III Ausf. B, and the StuG III 0-Series vehicles had different hull dimensions than later variants of the Pz III and StuG: the hull was longer. So, this track set will not fit on the Pz III Ausf. E nor the StuG III Ausf. A and StuG III Ausf. F, for example.

This model accessory was purchased by the modeler/reviewer.

Reference
PANZER TRACTS No 3-1 Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. A, B, C und D, Thomas Jentz & Hilary Doyle (2006)