The OFFICIAL Panzer III and Its Variants GB

Thats really cool weathering Andy

Carl- Thanks bro!  Glad you liked it... I didn't want to go crazy but just little.  Hope I have Gunny's approval too?   Last night applied little more rust in the rear and top then I applied heavily thinned oil paint Raw Umber to all details.  I think I am done so I can go ahead and add the tracks and apply MIG pigments.  

More to come over the weekend. Thanks for staying in touch!

                    The master slacker checking in,LOL procrastinater seems a bit less snobbish Hinksy,your build is looking quite nice though.

                   Deafpanzer,I think I may just do  the basic assembly and then send them to you for completion.How does that sound.

                  My how time flies,havent touched a kit in more than a month.Spent the last five days in the hospital with a blood clot in my right kidney that stopped up all the plumbing.Back home now and feeling somewhat better. Going to set a small goal and say I am going to get the fenders on the berge this weekend and get some pics posted.Hopefully this will get me out of slacker status.LOL

                                       Greg"Detailfreak"Rowley

Greg!!!  It has been a while since we have heard from you.  I was going to drop you a line over the weekend but you beat me to it.  I am so glad you are feeling OK now... hope you are going to listen to your doctor not to sniffle glue from now on? 

SURE!  You go ahead and build everything and I will paint them as long as they stay here.  Right?

Again, I am so glad you sent me this old Imperial kit because I am really enjoying this build. 

Looking forward to your next update buddy!

deafpanzer - I ordered the sand bag set through eBay online, Tank Workshop has an online store and you can order direct from them. Have about 50 armor kits most are Dragon and Tamiya kits. Last year I attended several IPMS shows and picked up several older Imperial kits (Pz III and IV). I usually watch for newer kits that fit my interest of early to mid German armor vehicles Pz I, II, III, IV which saw service in North Africa. Purchase most through my local hobby store where he usually give me a discount (online stores). Dragon Smart Kits / Super Kits include Pz IV Ausf. D, E, E Vorpanzer, F1 - Pz III Ausf. E, J (2 in 1), Early J, Trop L, N 'DAK'. Some day I get around to building them. 

Updated Late J - Vorpanzer - starting work on storage rack (Jerry Cans)  over the engine deck / rear - pickup a Legend set with several etch / resin parts to assemble, (Pz.Kpfw. III Stowage set) - depending on which unit I build will determine type - vehicles with different units would have unique storage racks ... likely scratch building required.

The electric cables on the front hull only took a hour to bent and fit, this is the third panzer which I've detailed the cables .... Imperial Pz Ausf G 'DAK' - have not finished, primer it and returned to Early J to finish ... More recent Dragon Smart kits (Pz III Ausf. F/E) come with the electric cables ... Armor86 

Armor86- Looks like you will be a good friend in a long run... why?  Just like you I really like those earlier Panzers especially III and IV.   But Panther is probably my favorite and I hope to build it in the fall if there is a GB that fits my plan. If not, then maybe a Tiger... it is overdue for me to build a big one. 

Looking forward to see pictures of your updates.

Guys- The tracks are finally on.  Applied heavily thinned Raw Umber oil paint on all details.  Added aftermarket steel cables on both sides.  The commander inspected and me a thumb up.

I only need to weatherize the tracks, wheels & lower hull with MIG pigments.  And little more detail painting especially the steel cables.  Comments are always welcome! 

Have a great weekend everybody!

Andy , Gunny is good with the weathering ...........

you posted your pic while i was talking to Gunny . 

GAWD !!! Its a beaut man , Those tracks look wicked .

This brew's for you .

Yep, Gunny told me you were going to post something.   Glad you liked it so far... almost there to the finish line.  I hope I can finally call it done over the weekend... (knocking wood) About the tracks, they will look better after I apply MIG pigments.

Thanks my friend!

                         Funny,I thought I had used the Ostketten from that kit.LOL. Great looking Stug Andy. You should try the new F-8 smart kit.Looks great,picked mine up on the FB special.

                                                    Greg"Detailfreak"Rowley

deafpanzer

Ben- Thanks for the info about the primer.  Mothers Day in March?  Is that little early if its still cold out there in England?  Looking forward to your big updates as I recall you have a holiday coming up.  

Can't wait to bring it across the finish line so I can attack Pz III Ausf K next... 

Hey Andy,

That StuG III F of your looks outstanding! Killer weathering - you've got that perfect. It couldn't be better imo!

The Friuls look very impressive! I'm looking forward to my next Winterketten build! It will probably be the very kit that you are building now I'm wanting to complete the entire family of StuG III's so it will need to be built!

I've not been well this week so had a few days off work. I'm feeling a LOT better today but not up to modelling as I have still have a killer headache. I'm doing the Sunday overtime work shift from home tomorrw (2pm-10pm) so unfortunately I'm not doing any work on my StuG III this weekend. Actually I tell a lie because I will be finishing the second Friul run later on today (headache permitting - I've taken some strong painkillers which have helped a lot).

Not to despair though lads! Andy mentioned a holiday - my parents are going to Southern France on Monday morning and leave for the station at 5:30am. As a result I have also booked next week off too! WOOO-HOOO! 

The plan is to fit the thick cover onto the kitchen table, bring the airbrush in from the workshop and bring my paints and all my weathering products down here so I will have a 'proper' bench for the week! Superb!

I'll be preshading and basecoating then beating hell out of this StuG. The airbrush Vallejo primer settled perfectly and took to the Aluminium barrel and Brass muzzle brake just fine.

Watch this space for updates on next weeks work!

You probably saw my post from a week or so ago regarding this Pz I A kit below? I've just bought it and blimey - it's killer! The model on the box is my Dragon Panzer I A (standard) which obviously provides the chassis for the Flakpanzer kit. I'm about to order a metal barrel for her. This will be my next wip. I'm more of a fan of these little obscure early war pieces than the late war behemoths like the KT's etc. Whilst I'm living at home I just do not have the space! The ammo trailer will definately be used and a base will be made. I'm looking forward to starting this beauty!

Sorry there won't be any updates this weekend guys but I feel too rough to be starting work on my StuG. I'll probably post a quick photo of my StuG with the two runs of completed Friuls fitted.

All the best lads,

Ben

Late J Update - Posting some better photos with sand bags installed ... different views with some detail. Armor86

illustration of Pz III J late 

Legend resin set. 

Ben- I bought same kit from Dupes a month ago.  It looked GREAT... so many pieces!  You must add a figure or two so people can see how tiny it was.  Have fun while having the whole house to yourself... no excuse not to see alot of updates from you.

Armor86-  I almost bought that Legend resin set but I wasn't sure if it was appropriate for command tank.  I usually see them without stowage in pictures... it is probably because the commander made other crews carry his stuff?

Now I have to get those sand bags... gonna check eBay now.  Again thanks for posting updates here.  Appreciate it!

hey fellas, i'm still sort of lurking out here...  i'm still in a holding pattern with the beo... i havent recieved the tracks i ordered yet...  so a note of caution...  i've been waiting since the end of january for my order from lucky modelers...  i'm usually totally satisfied but i've been waiting way too long at this point...  but hey cant cry over spilled milk...  but i may have a silver lining...  while moving i came across a bunch of old magic tracks and others that who knows where they  came from...  so maybe i can jump back on this train again soon...  i also got a 1/72 stug i may be able to throw in, but i'm having a hard time finding a detail set...  any one know who makes a set of tools and clamp detail sets for germans in 1/72 scale?  either way the work here is still soo!!!  awesome!!!   i'm really aspiring to be able to make such clean builds...  i think my painting will come out nso much better once i can get a handle on my building techniques   since i've gotten back to the hobby i feel way too much attention is paid to painting and weathering and way too little to the actual builds...  except for fsm i feel theyve done a pretty good job being equal...  well guys, gotta cut out...  keep up the good work and hope to be back soon...  oh one more thing...   i just flipped through an old mag and saw an interesting mk 3...  it was some sort of variant that controlled a remote little vehicle and had a bunch of different looking boxes on it...   anyone have a clue or planning on building one? .

                        Hey Malone, the unit you speak of sounds like the ausf.J control tank and the remote controlled demolition unit. Believe this is available as an orange box from dragon,HTH

                                         Greg"Detailfreak"Rowley

Hi guys, just a quick WIP before I hit the sack, it's midnight here in Aus. I got some work done on the StuH 42 this evening -- the engine deck, exhaust unit and gun mount. I also got into the PE. Here's the project with the Cavalier zimmerit set and the Eduard Zoom set:

Here's the first grill attached:

Simple and convincing -- I could never be without this type of AM, just slap it on and you're done...

I'll press on with all speed but if the hatches are going to be open I need to modify the cabin, boxing in the lateral "shelves" and fitting a back wall below the level of the rear deck, all to then be painted Panzer Beige, to satisfy the odd glimpse down through the hatches around the intended figures... Only then can I close the hull and get to the zim

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Hi guys,

A quick update:

Seeing as I'm now off work for the week and my parents are away I'm all set up in the kitchem. I have my thick cover on the table, my air brush all set up, the paints I need and all my tools and weathering stuff! Sorted!

Today I decided to paint the basecoat, barrel and get the Friuls sorted. I put on a light coat of Vallejo Model Air Hull Red, some black pre-shade lines and made up my usual Dunky mix of 1 part Tamiya Dark Yellow and 1 part XF-55 Deck Tan but this time I decided to add some XF-72 Brown to the mix just to avoid all of my models having the same shade DY which really worked well!

I had a BIG problem with the Mantlet - it wouldn't go into the metal holder in the Mantlet! I couldn't get the metal cup out so had file down the breech end of the barrel down so it would fit in but the tip of the mantlet where the barrel appears looks a bit rough but this is going to be a rough build so that will be 'absorbed'!

You may also notice some chipping. What I did was trying out adding Humbrol Maskol on edges that would be chipped. I applied the basecoat then when the basecoat was set I removed the Maskol revealing the Hull Red underneath. It worked VERY well and will be something I'll definately be trying again properly.

Finally, I've sorted the Friuls so they have equal links each side but are much tighter now and look good.

Check her out:

Do you think the Friuls look better like this lads?

I've got a good feeling about this build - I wish my camera could convey this excellent shade of Dunky that I stumpled upon!

Update tomorrow - lets get some decals on her!

Many thanks,

Ben   

Malone- You are not alone... since joining the forums I spent way too much time painting and weathering my builds too.  But I like the results better now than my earlier builds...   Looking forward to your update.

I wish I can help you with 1/76 aftermarket sets... I don't think I have seen them before only 1/35 and 1/48 sets are very common when I shop around. 

Detailfreak- Thanks for answering Malone's question!

TB379- Your StuH is starting to look good.  I love how quick StuG builds can be.  Really am looking forward to your next update with the Zimm and PE on!!!

Hinksy

Hi guys,

A quick update:

Seeing as I'm now off work for the week and my parents are away I'm all set up in the kitchem. I have my thick cover on the table, my air brush all set up, the paints I need and all my tools and weathering stuff! Sorted!

Ben- Your parents are out and you are not planning to invite all of your girlfriends over for a party? LOL Am really looking forward to many updates on your StuG this week.

I can see the Dunky paint job OK and for sure it is not monotoned at all.  A better lighting will help next time you take pictures so we can see the results. Nice chipping work too!

Love Friuls!  Nice stag as they look just right too.

LOL!

No party matey - 10 years ago maybe but I prefer to watch a film with a cup of tea these days! I get really bad acid reflux so I have to be very careful with alcohol. I can drink a good English smooth ale but none of that fizzy pissy stuff or spirits!

Glad you like the paintjob. In the flesh she looks superb. Remember all my photos up to now were taken in my Dad's office as it had great lighting in there? Well his office is now a new bedroom so I am stuck for a good photo place. I have his desk lamp and my work lamp so need to sort another permanent set up out.

All the best,

Ben

Hinksy -- looking great! I'm getting the itch to try workable tracks myself. The chipping was a good idea, I used to use Maskol all the time but it doesn't seem to be available locally anymore.

Andy -- zim getting close! Interior walls first, then zim. I popped out the roof panel, it turns out I was ahead of myself and it needs to be off until later in construction. I did one of these five years ago and the sequence had me a bit confused!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

                          Greetings from the Master Slacker, ok I have to say its been a bit perturbing trying to add fenders where fenders did'nt want to be ! By that I mean that the fancy Eduard hull mounting brackets had to go/overscale me thinks.So with those carefully pryed off the hull it was back to trying to mount the photo-etch fenders. I did manage to get one side on,also managed to create a nice looking unditching timber,the kit supplied looked fake to say the least. The new one is basswood. Also added a couple of more pieces of nessecary equip. anvil,torches,barrel. A ways to go yet but good progress was made today. Now for some pics.

                        I almost forgot that heavy duty hitch.

                                                         Greg"Detailfreak"Rowley

Greg- "Master Slacker"?  You sure know how to make me chuckle.  Look at me!  I started my StuG last September or October so we are in the same boat.  

Your Bergie is really looking great!!!  I really like the supplies especially the welding tanks and wood tile.  

You should know it is great having you back.  And hope you had a good ice fishing season?  It was way too warm here in Indiana that water didn't stay frozen long enough.  

Hi guys,

Another quick update:

Gloss coat applied, decals applied then just the decals glossed over again. I treated the Tracks but the reactive agent didn't do much and only darkened them slightly so I'll have to paint them I think.

Some T-34/76 tracks have been mounted on the frontal armour as I saw a very late WWII StuG III photo and thought the spikes looked great! I've got to make some more three - four link short runs of Pz III Friul links to add to the front of the casemate as additional armour. The wheels have been air brushed with a mix of Vallejo Light Rubber and Vallejo Dark Rubber (1 part light to 2 parts dark).

I've cut all the tools off the sprues ready for prepping and she's looking great.

The decals caught me out a bit as they read '123' and I was expecting a '123' to come off in one go so was surprised to find the numbers were individual! It's not easy lining up single digit decals!

WIP up to now:

 Quickwheel Mask Ready to go:

Thanks for looking guys,

More tomorrow,

Ben  

Ben- WOW!  You have done so much since your last update.  Absolutely agree with you I like the T34 tracks addition for extra armor.  

Now I can see the paint job better along with paint chipping.  I almost brought the same kit last week when it was on sale thru Dragon Models FaceBook but I didn't... gonna control my growing stash!  

Hi Andy,

Glad you like her - I'm really pleased with how this is going!

I purchased a model magazine the other day and in it they built the new Dragon Sturm SiG 33B (it's like mine but the new Dragon one, not Cyber Hobby). It has totally 100% new tooling and has a basic interior, a proper gun assembly and looks just amazing!

The author did a lovely job with the build and used Maskol to cover the areas he wanted to be chipped. He really went to town on it and used a toothpick to cover tiny various sections of the edges of the hatches and Casemate and after he removed it the effect was brilliant and very obviously 3D!

I decided I'd try just a few little sections and it works just fine. The Maskol is ready to be sprayed on top of after ten minutes of being applied and is best left for at least an hour.

I'll definately be using this method on my next big build that I want to be well chipped and I'm very tempted by that new SIG 33B too!

Cheers matey,

Ben

Ben- Another SIG 33B?  Its your call!!!   I probably will buy that new set since I don't have any in my stash.

Guys- Another update... did more detail painting on the tools and tow cables then drybrushed using MM Steel.  Then I applied coats of MIG Rust pigment on all tools, cables, tracks and especially the mufflers which is not visible but wondered if judges will look behind the protection panels? 

Better shot so you can see closely why I love hairspray technique.

I think I only need to do one more thing before I can call it done... apply dirt to the lower hull, tracks and wheels using MIG pigments such as Russian Soil and Dark Mud, etc.

Hey Modelers,

I got an email from Squadron earlier with a 15% off promotion right now for Memorial Day. The promo code is LOYAL, so just enter that to get your savings. I know they have some Panzer models if you're interested. Apologies if this is the wrong place to post, but thought you might be interested.

deafpanzer

Ben- Another SIG 33B?  Its your call!!!   I probably will buy that new set since I don't have any in my stash.

I think I only need to do one more thing before I can call it done... apply dirt to the lower hull, tracks and wheels using MIG pigments such as Russian Soil and Dark Mud, etc.

Looking GREAT Andy!

I always love your tools and these tow-cables look fab

As for the judging - well, I'm not 100% BUT I do know that they are usually very strict and all I can say is don't leave anything to chance! I'm entering my Tiger I into a competition soon and have gone back over it and have mainly concentrated on the base. I've weathered the lower hull underside to look 'as it should' (dirtied and dusty) and have properly weathered the backs of the road wheels-just incase they decide to flip it upside down and make sure that I've weathered it all over and not been lazy and just done the visible areas.

There's nothing to lose so let's hope it works!

Update tomorrow,

Ben