Folks, I need some input. Hoping you can help with this.

Regarding the Heng Long 1/16th Panzer III I have; how can I tell if it is an Ausf. J or Ausf. L, or maybe even an Ausf. M?

I have, or will receive soon, all the bits and bobs I need to upgrade and trick out my III. But, I'm looking at the markings. I want "authentic" where I can get it, so I need to know which mine is.

These are the profiles of my HL Pz. III:




Any input? What are the key differences between the Ausf. models.

Mike

p.s. Ignore the size of the barrel...it's an "Airsoft" gun right now.

The J with 5cm L/60 and the L were the same (just a renaming) but the M was fitted for wading so had different lights, access hatches in the front plate and a different rear with hinged plates that closed off the overhang, as well as covers over the intakes. As I don't see any of those features, yours probably isn't an M.

Definitive work on the subject is probably the Panzer Tracts book on the late IIIs, which I think was 3-3. Excellent value and not even expensive in absolute terms at around $30.

This model looks like flamm panzer.

Thank you Robert! Very helpful! I was going through images online and I couldn't see a difference between the J & L.

Piotr, probably because it has an over-sized barrel for the little "BB's." But yes, it does, doesn't it?

Mike

Ausf J or very early L. The escape hatches in the hull are the giveaway, they were deleted after the first few Ls were built.

Thank you Steve. Much appreciated.

Mike