StuG IV Early Gun Shield Query

[Donovan]

Hi there, I'm building a StuG IV early model and in my Achtung Panzer book on the StuG it appears that the front loader's hatch actually holds up the gun shield.

However, my reference ends there, it doesn't show the position with the hatch closed, which is how my model will be protrayed and pics on the StuG IV are hard for me to come by.

So, can someone tell me, did this hatch fall all the way forward when the loader's hatch was closed and simply lay on top of the fighting compartment? Was the machine gun stowed inside the vehicle? Or was the MG left in place and the shield propped on the gun butt?

Thanks,
Christopher

[Finnmodeler]

Hi,
hatch can fall all the way forward and lay on top of roof. It also swung all way backwards so laying on top of hatches. As long as hatches were open, shield was up.
MG was stowed inside when not in use.

HTH,
Niko

[Donovan]

Niko,

Thanks! I'm glad it can go backward, because the detail on the front of the hatch is better than the reverse.

Again, thanks for the quick reply!

Cheers,
Christopher