I want to build a Panzer III

The Tamiya Ausf. L is a good kit.  I'd recommend going with something from the Dragon line.  Much more better value for your $$.  I'd shop around and see what you can find on sale.  Ebay usually has some good deals as does DragonUSAOnline.com  as well and they have daily specials.

I just finished this little beauty yesterday...Cyber Hobby Panzer III L Tropical.

here is a Dragon Panzer 3 Ausf J imperial series I built, this kit does not come with a crew, I don't know how much they run for now as I bought this kit over 10 years ago but I really like it

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/luis452/E193DDF9-A33C-4050-B4A3-A552BEF4D597_zpss8wz0rvk.jpg http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/luis452/B53C212F-4CF9-486A-8243-C22FA59885A4_zpsl0c3jpyx.jpg http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/luis452/435307B6-1B32-41F6-9C0E-D35A0D7C470A_zpstmtynfdw.jpg http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/luis452/0B59FA40-1A01-477B-B673-9C90D8832374_zpsxsgqsacq.jpg

I built the Tamiya Pz III N a couple of months back and it was a very nice build. But if you really want the Schurzen and are new to PE, I would echo the Dragon kit. They usually have some PE parts in the kit so will also be a nice introduction.

I guess I read wrong about the PE side armor vs. PE zimmerit. I'd save the money and use it to buy a more expensive or better Panzer III. Average cost for a PE fret is $15; that's easily 75% of the cost of an older Dragon kit or almost have of one of their newer kits.

Since I recall you mentioning cost being a factor, I know there's a Panzer III fanatic that hangs out at Missing Lynx named Brian Tears. A couple years ago, he sent me a boxload of Panzer III stuff, enough to build a complete kit plus extras, for a whopping $20 delivered. He's often selling off Panzer III kits when a newer version comes out.

I'd always go for Dragon 6474 as its a better build than a Tamiya. I know Tamiya may be easier but you'll learn more with the Dragon. Cost wise I think the difference is worth it for the better quality of the Dragon

Phil

The Panzer III-N is the only one that had the Shurzen Armor on the sides.Dragon makes a couple,an older one #9015 and a newer one # 6474

The PE side armor, in my opinion, is not worth the hassle of soldering (what it really takes to get it firm) nor the alternative of using super glue (which will break easily since you're talking about a complex Schurzen plates plus brackets).

It sounds like your first venture into PE.  I would NOT recommend you get a PE schruzen set for a Panzer III.  The nice thing about the PE schurzen is its thinness.  But alternatively, you should just get some 0.010" thick styrene sheet and make your own.  And you can affix it with glues you're already using.

Let me repeat: as a PE novice,  I would NOT recommend you get a PE schruzen set for a Panzer III!!!!

Whether you use resin zimmerit (Cavalier, Atak) or photoetched (Eduard, Verlinden, etc.) you have to use super glue to attach. Sometimes you can use plain Elmer's white glue to maneuver it into place and once it is, let a small amount of super glue flow between the metal and plastic to make the bond permanent. Use a small object like a pin, needle or similar item to apply the super glue.

As far as a kit, the Tamiya one is sweet. I picked one up at Hobby Lobby a while back using their 40% off coupon. Dragon makes several really good ones, but the older ones will be cheaper but not as good as their newer ones.