Several Armor Group Builds are expected to end on June 30th so I think it will be a good timing to start a new one after that. Dupes did an outstanding job leading Panzer IV and its variants back in 2009. [Y]
So I thought it would be great if we can do Panzer III and its variants GB. There are so plenty of choices for us…
Panzer III Ausf. A, B, C, D - Pre-production models in 1937-1938.
Panzer III Ausf. E, F - Production models 1939-1940.
Panzer III Ausf. G - More armour on gun mantlet. Produced in 1940-1941.
Panzer III Ausf. H - Bolt-on armor added to front and rear hull. Produced in 1940-1941.
Panzer III Ausf. I - Variant mentioned in Allied intelligence reports but not an actual existing vehicle.
Panzer III Ausf. J - The hull was lengthened. Front armor increased. Produced in 1941.
Panzer III Ausf. J¹ - Equipped with the longer and more powerful gun. Produced in late 1941-1942.
Panzer III Ausf. K - Panzerbefehlswagen command tank variant with a modified turret.
Panzer III Ausf. L - Uparmored to 50 mm + 20 mm plates. Produced in 1942.
Panzer III Ausf. M - Minor modifications such as deep-wading exhaust and schurzen. 1942-1943.
Panzer III Ausf. N - Armed with a short barreled gun, re-equipped J/L/M models in 1942-1943.
And its variants…
Artillerie-Panzerbeobachtungswagen III - Forward artillery observer tank.
Bergepanzer III - In 1944 some Panzer IIIs were converted to armoured recovery vehicles.
Flammpanzer III Ausf. M / Panzer III (F1) - Flamethrower tank. Converted from Panzer III Ausf. M.
Minenräumer III - Mineclearing vehicle based on a Panzer III chassis with a very highly raised suspension. (Prototype only)
Panzerbefehlswagen III - Command tank. Heavier armor, dummy gun, and long-range radios.
Sturm-Infanteriegeschütz 33B - A close-support, Assault gun. Only 24 built.
Sturmgeschütz (StuG) III - Assault gun / tank destroyer armed with a 75-millimetre StuK.
The Soviet SU-76i self-propelled gun was based on the chassis of captured German Panzer III and StuG III.
Tauchpanzer III - Some tanks were converted to “diving tanks” for Operation Sealion.
Since we are talking about 15 models and 9 variant (many more under StuG), the GB will go on for a full year from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. It would be GREAT if we can have each model built just like we saw in Marder Madness mini-GB earlier. So that way we can see all models and its variants at once at the end.
So I am sending out GB feeler to see if it is getting enough interest so I can get it started at GB forum. I know few buddies are already interested and it will be FUN because there are four less wheels to worry about this time! [:P] Just let me know… thanks! [B]
The Tamiya Panzer III Ausf. N (kit #35290) that comes with metal turned barrel & PE grills so I’d just want Friuls. I love the Leningrad Winter scheme ('42-'43) on the Tamiya box art like shown below; but the Kursk Summer scheme ('43) is nice too in a colourful way! Either way I’d want a vehicle shown serving on the Eastern Front.
This could be a great GB for us all especially with all these variants to choose from! There could be some very interesting builds appearing! I’m also just building the StuG III B (for the second time) so I have stacks of Panzer III spares [Y]
Greg, I am glad to have you aboard! For sure StuG III F will be one of my builds for this GB. I hope to build two or three. [:P]
Ben, thanks for the words of encouragement… now the feeler is sent out finally. I got you down for Tamiya Ausf N. It looks pretty good! [Y] I have Dragon kit but will wait and see which Ausf is still open after the GB rolls out so I can order one.
I’ve just ordered my Panzer III N as my kit stash is looking pretty meagre now that the StuG is nearly done and the box gone. All I have left now is the Dragon Firefly but that’s not a bad kit to be the only one left in the stash! [H]
I’ll want some Friuls but no rush for them and at least I haven’t got to worry about sourcing an AM barrel. I might even try MK tracks for once on this Panzer III?
I’m looking forward to this GB - it should be fun! [:P]
Count me in Andy,the long timeframe is great,I can start later this year and still have plenty of time.Either my old DML “G” or the new smart kit “H” will be my entry.
Satch ip- I have you on my list. Just let me know which model you want to build. Great to have you back! [Y]
Mike- Glad you are joining aboard… now this is going to be FUN too! I got you down for Ausf L. We have plenty of time for you to finish your current GB. I’d even let you paint #229 on your Panzer III…
Anthony- Why was I not surprised that you’d be with us? [:D] Am so glad you are! Just let me know which Ausf G or H. We can always wait and see what others have then you will pick one that is still open. Yes, I like when GBs last for a full year just like Korea War and Ostfront GBs… remember I build at very slow pace. [:P]
I’d love to, but i’d probably not get it done. I do have the old G in the stash, but was hoping for a new smart kit since Dragon appears to be upgrading all their older kits.
I will follow with the interest of kid on Christmas Eve.
Tigerman, maybe you still can join us becase I can assign you Ausf I. [:D] There was none but the Allies Intelligence had it listed. Am afraid our intelligence hasn’t improved over time… anyway plenty of time for you to consider.
Guys, I looked everywhere… there may not be model kits for Ausf A, B, C, and D. Any chance do you know if there are any?
Of course, there is none for I… the invisible one. And there is only one kit for Ausf M by Tamiya but how accurate is it? The kit box says Ausf M/N…
**Andy-**I’ll be following this one closely. Given the longer time frame, I should be able to sign up but I don’t want to commit until I’m sure. Hopefully I’ll have things completed by fall and can jump in.
I have never done a GB. My skill levels are just so-so. Do I pick a kit, build it, show wip photos? I would like to try it. I just have to find the right kit and then I let you know what I’m building, right?
My research indicates that a Panzer III L from the 10th Panzer Division DAF will be historically accurate. Your start time provides plenty of time to gather paint, etc.
Hit up anyone for a GB badge yet? My Photoshop skills are even worse than my modeling skills (if that can be imagined), so I can’t help with that.
I always tentatively commit to group builds but never follow through, but now things should actually settle down over the Summer… it’d also give me a reason to build a Panzer III to go with my German section (have Panzer IV through King Tiger).
I would be interested, I’m totally converted to armor and I think I’ll have the time.
