OKB Grigorov

Idler wheel for Pz.III early

This resin idler wheel set is suitable for early production Panzer III (Ausf. E, Ausf. F, the Ausf. G and the Ausf. H) and the Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. A and Ausf. B. There are eight complete idler wheels; enough for four vehicles.

Some 1/72-scale kits these idler wheels would be suitable for include: Alemany StuG III Ausf. A kit FG7209, Attack Models StuG III Ausf. E kit #72816, Attack Models StuG III Ausf. A kit #72829, Dragon StuG III Ausf. A, kit 7557, Dragon StuG III Ausf. B, kit 7559 and the Trumpeter StuG III Ausf. B kit 7256 and also Attack Models Pz III Ausf. G Kit #72822, Attack Models Pz III Ausf. H kit 72849, Attack Pz III Ausf. J kit 72822, Attack PanzerBefehlswagen III Ausf. J kit 72887, First To Fight Pz III Ausf. E kit PL1939-014, and S-Model Pz III Ausf. G kit PS720016.

Above are the eight wheels on their pour plugs, cast in dark gray resin. At right are the equivalent wheels (parts B2 & B3) from the Trumpeter StuG III Ausf. B kit 7256 still on the sprue, and below is the equivalent idler wheel from Dragon’s StuG III Ausf. A, kit 7557 (Part A6). In comparison, the Trumpeter idler wheel is pretty good. The Dragon idler wheel is a great disappointment as it is cast as one thick wheel rather than two halves. Years ago Dragon kits used to be the best small-scale display models in plastic, now they seem to be geared to quick build wargaming kits with simplified detail. (The name written on the sprue years ago is short for Trumpeter Models, not meant to be a political statement.)

These idler wheels are supposed to be used with narrower, 36-cm type track such as track set S72117 from OKB Grigorov, but we can probably get away with the 40-cm track supplied in most smallscale Pz III and Sturmgeschütz model kits. This can be paired also with OKB Grigorov sprocket set S72253 for early Pz III kits and StuG III Ausf. A models.

Remove the parts carefully with a sharp blade, wash in mild detergent to remove dust, fingerprints and casting lubricant, and assemble using cyanoacrylate (Super) glue and make sure to line up the holes in the wheels.

This model accessory was purchased by the modeler.

For further information please see:

• https://www.onthewaymodels.com/kitlists/OKBGrigorov.htm#Resin
• http://shop.okbgrigorov.com/
• http://tracks-n-troops.eu/shop/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=237&zenid=2kdqeqfq3v8oem1b6g951qg4k0
• PANZER TRACTS No 3-2 Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. E, F, G und H, development and production from 1938 to 1941, by Thomas Jentz & Hilary Doyle (2007)

Article Last Updated: 10 April 2020