The OFFICIAL Panzer III and Its Variants GB

First WIP, this kit builds as smooth and easy as I remember from The Hunters four years ago.

47 parts used since yesterday evening. That's probably about as much as I can/should do until the zim set comes in, I don't want to get ahead of myself.

I'm warring with the impulse to splash out on the etched skirt set. (Overscale) skirts come in the kit, but the etched set costs rather more than I gave for the model (on eBay, of course, these things are $57 on the shelf in Aus...) The hangers in the kit are remarkably fine mouldings, it's the plates that seem too thick, complete with a gradient from thin edges to thick middles. I have no recollection of this from readings about the real thing, my impression is that they were simply 5mm sheets of rolled plate armour-steel. I'll check the Walk Around book, there's a look at the back of the skirts on a museum example, but I don't recall a thickness gradient.

Okay, there is no thickness gradient on the plates of the museum example in the book. It is also set up with StuG IV style hangers -- triangular teeth which engaged with handle-shaped brackets on the inside of the plates. The kit does not provide these.

I could possibly substitute some thin plastic sheet to get closer to scale thickness on the plates, but anything under .010" would be too flimsy, and actual scale for 1:35th would be .00571"... That's getting too thin to consider and, for what it's worth, I seriously doubt the etched set would be that thin anyway. if I scratched the plates I can scrounge enough unused handle brackets from my StuG IV kits to outfit them, but that leaves me with the need to scratch the triangular engagement teeth too. Lemme think about this...

I have the etched grill set by Eduard and tow cables by Eureka XXL, I need figures and stowage but am not planning on spending a fortune. Does anyone know if Dragon or Verlinden make mid-war Wermacht winter stuff that might be appropriate?

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Mike- Sounds like you had a great process on your Panzer!  About the stowage, Verlinden has many different stowage sets but I don't think anything was made specifically for winter.  

Have you heard about this company Blackdog?  They make great resin stowage sets.  I have two sets in my stash and they look far better than Verlinden. Found one that may work for you... always wanted to get this set. 

http://www.blackdog.cz/products/t35/t35030/1.jpg  

A local shop here sells those sets... let me know if you are interested.  

Found another nice resin stowage set... its from Legend.  Saw few of them listed in eBay. 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170756555448#ht_1929wt_1219  

Little more expensive but it has better fit for the winter stowage you are looking for.  Sprue Brothers sold those sets for $26 before they were sold out.  

Thanks, Andy, those are excellent sets indeed but a bit pricy for me, this looks like ending up a budget build. I was meaning for it to be an everything-on project but my marking option looks like being the 202 AGB in the Kurland Pocket in the winter of '44-'45, and they were under severe shortages once they were cut off, so a lot of stowage might be incorrect. I'll source what I can but not go overboard.

I'm not sure if the StuH 42s in the pocket were equipped with ostketten, but I've seen a build-up with them and they may be accurate for this time and place, in which case... I could take a shot at L&Ls and transfer those from my Dragon F/8, swapping with the standard tracks in the Tamiya kit so I can do the F/8 in summer trim using some Echelon decals I have left over from The Hunters in '08... Hmm, possibilities!

No show on the zim yet, but maybe tomorrow or the day after!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Andy , I've been busy with work. Man this weather is AWESOME!! Perfect weather for a gardener. I'm taking a break from the Stug III F. This Cyberhobby kit is without a doubt the WORST kit I've ever built. LOTS of flash, nothing fits and the hull is warped. I straightened it out with hot water. Anyway, it turned into a pain in the @$$! It's no fun so I'm taking a break. I have Pict's of the "B". I will post them and others when I can. I'm also trying to put together a GB for the fall: a Beutepanzer GB. The details are in a feeler I posted. Take a look if you get a chance. Any ideas would be welcomed. Anyway,The work being done here is incredible! I have learned alot of stuff.

I'll be back

Scott

Chazzer-  Sorry to 'hear' despite my deafness about Ausf F build... I have to admit I am surprised especially if it is coming from CyberHobby or Dragon.  Now it made me wonder if it was an old kit was reboxed and which kit...correct me if I am wrong, I remember you buying it at recent model show.  It is possible that the previous owner had it stored in a place with no temperature control such as in his car trunk, shed or garage?

No need to use hot water... just place wrapped parts on the Pin Up book... trust me they will go warm instantly. LOL

Can't wait to add your Ausf B to the completed build roster! 

Yes, I saw your GB feeler earlier.  Right now signing up for more GB is last thing I want to do for next 4-5 months or so.  I didn't realize it will not start until fall.  That's something I can keep in mind.  I have absolutely no idea what kit I have in my stash that will qualify.

Re: the Cyberhobby StuG III Ausf. F - assuming that this is one of the Orange Box kits, it's a rebox of either DML 9028 or 9013, one of the Imperial Series kits. They aren't bad kits at all (I've built several, including the two I've already done for this GB), but they aren't new-tool Smart Kits, either.

Stick it out and throw some paint at it, Chazzer...it'll work out in the end.

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

so here's another installment.  i applied some vellejo german primer and also attempted to sort of preshade.  i'm still learning on the vallejo stuff so my coverage so far isn't all that great.  i've gone from too thick to too thin, hopefully i'll be in the middle soon. also lost a few handles, i'll replace those further down the line when i'm weathering. any comments appreciated...[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

Duke- GREAT work especially the skirt around the turret!!!   Be sure to thin the base paint well enough if you want for the preshading job to be visible.  I mix my paint 50/50 and do few quick runs at a time. 

Can't wait to see your next update!

Getting started on Pz III Ausf J Late, photos enclosed. The reference guide from Battleline 1 - Firefly Collection titled "Workhorse Panzer III in North Africa," includes several color plates with the same camouflage scheme Heeresmittleitung (Army Order) No. 281 of March 1941 base coat RAL 8000 with a disruptive pattern of RAL 7008. also looking at some captured photos and walk around photos taken of  the vehicle in the UK. (Website http://jtrowbridge5.smugmug.com/BovingtonsLightandMediumtanks/Panzer3-walkaround/9673832_NsQ5ng) Armor86

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

so got a little more paint on.  the pre shading di[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]k it out so well.  i've been reading bout it plenty. but you have to put it to practice to learn it really.  plus it was really hard to cover that red primer.  the most important lesson i learned this weekend as you can also see in my not so good pics.  i need better light bulbs.  i have a flourescent light but i need a better bulb for my flexible light.  so any suggestions will help.  this is just the base coat.  ill have pics of post shading next.[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

86-  Man, it is going to be fun watching your build.  I always wanted to get this kit.  I almost bought the stowage set from Legend at recent model show but I went for Black Dog stowage set for M3 instead.  A local shop sells all of Legend and Black dog sets here so I can go back and buy few more... cash is my best friend and it is untraceable. 

Looks like you got everything all set for the build.  The only thing I don't see is an aluminum barrel unless it comes with the kit. 

Duke- Look no more... just go to a local photography shop and ask for this bulb.  It made a HUGE difference when I started using those bulbs.  I use two... one on each side at 4 and 8 o'clock. 

I think the bulb cost $13-$14 each...but they are worth every penny.

Base coat on your Panzer looks just great despite being dark because of the lighting condition.  Man, I better get busy and work on my StuG.  Things have been crazy at work that I have been coming home late and tired. 

I appreciate you guys keeping this GB alive and kicking!!!

So, my Stug III E is done. It won a Bronze at ValleyCon today. I'll post pics ASAP.

Boyd- CONGRATS!   Can't wait to see the pictures... don't leave us hanging!

deafpanzer - The kit (6394) will build just like the early J (6463) starting out, the kit's engine deck, upper hull, Turret spaced armor, and hull rear will differentiate from the early J. The kit's gun barrels (L42 / L60) are in one piece with hollowed out muzzle and basic rifling. I have a L60 50mm metal gun barrel (Jordi Rubio) but I was saving it for an older Imperial Series 9015 Panzer III Ausf. M/N kit. I picked up Great Wall Hobby detail set - German WWII 20L Jerrycans (L3514).  Armor86

I agree... if the kit comes with one piece with rifling, I'd give it a chance.  I just don't want to deal with two pieces or more of barrel... too much trouble. 

Gaaaah...picked up an Su-76M at Downeastcon yesterday thinking that was the right variant we needed to help wrap up the GB. Was in a bit of a hurry, or I'm sure I would have looked to see that I really needed to grab the Su-76I instead. Panzer III chassis most likely would have given it away had I taken the time.

Ooooops!

So........After about seven months off due to school and some other big time-consumers, I started working on models again now that I'm on spring break! Yay!

After some dusting off, I got back to work on my Panzer III Ausf. E, and I built up the turret and got it all primed over the last two days. I also added some little bits to the hull that I will be painting along with the turret later this evening. I hope to do the tracks tomorrow, after voting for the first time, and will hopefully be adding the final touches by the end of the week. This also may be the last model I build until summer because my parents (and my working area) will be moving very shortly.

Dupes- Let me guess... you brought home 10-12 kits from Downeastcon?    

Guys- Spent my day at WWII Museum here in New Orleans today.  It was great even that my wife and boys enjoyed their time there too.  They are expanding again so we have to come back again in few years.  My wife's twin sister lives here so it helps... 

 Mike- Hey!  Missed your post because I was posting at same time.  It is great having you back.  Enjoy your spring break.  Still shooting for GPA if 4.0 this semester? 

I am glad you are still working on this because I am counting on you to close this variant gap.  That way I don't have to do mine and I can do the Ausf K instead because it is still open at this moment.  

Guys- Loved the National WWII Museum in New Orleans as I took my family there today!   You have to visit if you ever are in town.  I'd love to quit my job and work there everyday...

Sorry no Panzers... mostly American armor & artillery pieces. 

10-12? Yeah, that's the ticket...10-12.

Update: Pz III Ausf. J Late with 5cm L60 gun and spaced armor (leaving the gun mantlet spaced armor off) several photos of North Africa vehicles without the mantlet armor - Completed most of the lower hull, torsion bars, axle mountings, shock absorbers, drive sprockets, idlers look sharp with the etch detail, will leave the road wheels to sand later ... moving on to the rear hull. 

Andy: I'm hanging onto that 4.0 so far, I wish modeling was a school subject.......

All: I had heard bad things about the fenders on this kit, and I have to say, they pretty much suck. The plastic Cyberhobby uses (which seems different from Dragon's excellent styrene) is kind of soft, and the fenders were warped the second they were off the sprue. They also have no bottoms, but I'm past caring about that too much, so I'm just going with them as is, and I have Dragon's Panzer III Ausf H (late production) in the stash, and it seems to be about a dozen times better than this kit, so I figure I'll get the real masterpiece out of that kit in a year or two.

So after I got those on yesterday evening and this morning, I went down to paint with a new bottle of Tamiya (the first I have bought since they changed their bottles). I know they say that they didn't change the formula, but I had a terrible time using the stuff, which seems to become more like a wash when I use it with the regular thinning ratios that have always gotten good results. The paint went on really poorly needless to say, and I honestly am not proud of what the fenders will look like, but with a lot of weathering and some touching up, it'll look good (hopefully) for the photos for our GB. Anyways, I'm gonna put on the tracks tomorrow, maybe do the decals, and paint the tools for the fenders, and then I may finish by Easter.

I have to say, this build seems to be cursed for me........But I still am having a blast!

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

so here again.  after doing some post fading its starting to look alot better.  got just a little more airbrushing to do and ill gloss her up and apply some decals.  still havent recieved my tracks yet...   hope they ship soon.  [View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

Well I know I finished my Mk III many months ago, but I am still plugging away at the TC. I still need to do a bit more with him, but he is nearly finished.

He is actually a driver for a Nashorn or Wespe from the Tri Star SP gun crew set, but he fits just right here.

WOW!  This GB has been resurrected?!?!?  This is GREAT seeing this still rolling with three months left to go.  Back home from our spring break trip to New Orleans.  Great city... great food... great booze... and of course great WWII Museum!  

armor86- Great process on the Pz J!    Not exactly my favorite part dealing with wheels!!!  Rest of build should be a breeze... 

Mike- I wish all students are like you... school comes first.  You should be proud of yourself for hanging on that 4.0.  

Sorry to hear about the fenders.  I ordered the same kit for this GB too but I have changed my mind to build an Ausf K because nobody else has signed up for it.  Do really appreciate you attacking that variant for this GB. This is something I need to order an aftermarket fender set for this kit which I haven't done before.  You can always do Ausf H if there is enough time.  I think more likely I will extend the GB by a month or two to allow everybody enough time to attack all variants.  

Malone- You hit the home run with the paint job on your Pz!!!  Just beautiful and nothing is monotoned.  Looking forward to your next update and try not to have too much fun with the tracks when you get it. 

Stikpusher- Nice work on the figure!   Like you, I like to include figures you know.  I think it only need a repair job on the left cheek and apply flat clear on the belt to get rid of its shininess.  I am glad you are still hanging around ... thanks buddy!

Now I am back from a great break I can not wait to attack my StuG... I meant it this time!

Finally a real update on my StuG which hasn't been seen an action since December because of a commission Huey build.  

Remember I wanted to do this unique winter camo scheme???  Photos for discussion purpose only!

First I put silly putty, then I applied two coats of hairspray because I want to scratch paint off later.  

Often I read that Tamiya paint is best used for the hairspray technique...

Airbrushed heavily thinned white paint doing like if a man was spraying within his arm length.  

I didn't want for the whitewash to look too uniformed so I was pleased with the result.  I am off tomorrow for holiday so I hope to scratch paint off using brushes where heavy traffic would be.  It is good to be back!

Armor86 -- looking fantastic!

DP -- interesting technique, that would be silly putty strings? Is that stuff sticky enough for holding card in place for soft masking? My last experiment with blutac was a disaster...

I ordered the Cavalier zim for the StuH 42 three weeks ago and it's not arrived yet, I contacted the company but there was no reply before the long weekend set in today... GRRR

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Mike- Thanks!  I won't use silly putty to hold cards.  I agree its not sticky enough I would use one of those yellow sticky thing from 3M that are used to hold posters on the wall.  I can't remember the right word right now after staying up til 4am last night.  Oops!

Sorry to hear about the Zimm order.  Who did you order from I was just wondering?  I have few Zimm sets but nothing for the StuG so I can not be any of help.  There are always tracks to attack if you haven't... or of course a figure to go with your StuH.

Resurrected? I didn't know it was dead yet!

EXCELLENT start to that paint scheme, Andy...think that one is going to turn out really well.