Greetings,

I am currently building DML 6639 1/35 German Pz.Kpfw. III (5 cm.) Ausf. G Sd,Kfz. 141 Early production as reviewed here.

After perusing the internet for build reviews of this kit, not one of the authors mentioned a fit issue with the starter crank at the rear of the tank. In fact, the parts in question (V12 and U6) do not even resemble the CAD renderings in the instructions.

The starter crank port (U6) does not have a positive fit with the grill (V12) and when trying to mat it with the rear armor plate (U8) it does not fit. I was wondering if anyone who has built a dragon pz.kpfw. iii ausf g or h has experienced the same issue and how you remedied the fit issue (e.g., do you sand down U6 to fit or perhaps left it out?).

Thanks

I had that issue with the H. I left it out after fussing with it for an hour. It can't be seen once everything else is in place. I think they meant to have it as an option when you wanted that cover open.

Hello,

OK. I found a solution. Sand the starter crank port until it fits flush with the grill. However, first glue the port to the rear plate so it is easier to handle whilst sanding. Sand and test fit as you go along and then you get the below result. So much sanding was involved that the port piece was made translucent at one point.

From the looks of it, the CAD rendering that is in the instructions for these parts would actually pose no fit issue at all. Alas, they tooled them differently and you're left with ill-fitting parts.









P.S. Please do keep this thread handy if you decide to purchase this kit or already have one. This fit issue also applies to the other panzer iii variants where instead of U6, the call-out is for V35 (i.e., ausf e-f).