Check out my Panzer Series in 72nd topic for an explanation on why I need this info. But, I need to know what, if any, major differences there are between the ausf. J (long barreled version) and the ausf. M. Besides the schurzen, I cant see any big differences. Thanks in advance.

AFAIK, the M has a new deep wading exhaust :

http://www.worldwar2aces.com/panzer-tank/panzer-iii/panzer-iii-5211.jpg

http://www.worldwar2aces.com/panzer-tank/panzer-iii/panzer-iii-5838.jpg

and the grenade launchers are moved to the turret side :

http://www.worldwar2aces.com/panzer-tank/panzer-iii/panzer-iii-5252.jpg

HTH

Frenchy

1. The Headlights were moved from the front plate to the mudguards.
2. Complete change to exhaust to allow deep wading.
3. Side escape hatch removed, (started this on the Ausf L i think)
4. Turret Vision port removed (the ones on the side armour, forward of the hatches)
5. Smoke candles moved to turret sides.
6. The two side air intakes were fitted with sealing covers (deep wading)

Not 100% sure on most of that, so best to not listen to me

Thanks guys, would anyone recomend the best kit of the ausf. J in 1/72? Also, I swear i posted this in the Axis-WWII discusion group...so dont think I was like inebriated or anything when i posted it

Unfortunately those facts pretty much rule out my converting the italeri Pz III ausf. M into an accurate J without alot of work so now I'm considering the revell ausf. L. Any major differences between that and the ausf. J??

Converting an Ausf J to an Ausf L would be much simpler because you have not got to mess around with all that deep wading nonsense.

Changes would be -

1. Remove the vision port from the turret (turret side, forward of hatch)
2. Remove the hull escape hatch, (late Ausf L's had no hatch)
3. When they added spaced armor on the the L they removed a little vision port on the gun mantlet.
4. Engine deck hatches changed to one piece design, hinged at the front (hinges just at back of turret)

And thats about it I think, should be fairly simple.