Hi

Has anyone ever seen a Pz III J with the KwK39 5cm L60 barrel fitted and still having a "J" layout on the tracks guards for equipment?

I have searched everywhere, I have found one, but the reference is a late "J" with the turret vision ports filled,
Not an early "J" simply up gunned to the L60.

My references do indicate the early "J"s were up gunned but I can not find any photographic evidence to confirm this!

Thank you for your help, well in advance

regards

Steve H

If you have a look at Panzer Tracts 3-3, it provides a great summary of the Ausf. J-N.

The first Ausf. J with the L/60 was demonstrated for Hitler in March 1941. Testing and development of this configuration continued throughout the rest of 1941.

The Ausf. J with the L/60 entered production in December 1941. At the end of March 1942, the tanks were renamed to Ausf. L. All production going forward from the beginning of April 1942, chassis plates were stamped "L". All of the L/60 "J's" already produced (around 457) were re-identified as "L's", but the chassis plates were left with the "J" stamped on them.

Therefore, a late "J" is the same as an early "L".

Morning Mark

Thanks for the input, I do have some good reference books, but no real photos of the J with an L60

I did track down a PDF of Panzer Tracts 3-3 and it is a real mix up during the mid production with the introduction of the L60, change of track guard tool layout, addition of Vor armour plate, introduction of spare wheels due to increased damage by mines, and then they were re-designated to the Ausf L.

I shall stick with the L42 and build an early DAK, for my Dunkelgelb paint experiment

Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated.

Best regards

Steve H

A short barreled J would most likely have been painted RAL 8000 with RAL 7008 camo. April/May 1942 was the change point from the 8000/7008 to RAL 8020/7027 tropen camo.

Dunkelgelb was not introduced until April 1943 shortly before the North African Campaign ended.

G