I have finished the initial build up of my Panzer III Ausf. J from Dragon. Kit #6954 has been a pleasure to build and represents my first armor kit build.
I will be marking and painting following the 10th Panzer Division.,Tunisia 1943. In the end I opted for an early J with the short barrel L/42 gun and the tropical configuration of the rear deck. Authenticity is not exacting but close to what would be plausible for the period and deployment. As an example, Dragon has the starboard fender with the wire cutter and axe mounted together. My resources show that configuration did not occur until the Ausf. L. (Achtung Panzer No. 2). A few other authentic missteps were my own but am happy with my first go considering the limited research I was able to do. This will be different on my next project.

The kit build went very well. The part detail was superb and the the fit and finish exceptional. There were a few annoying part lines and sprue gates in less than optimal positions on many parts requiring careful clean up. I made a predictable number of errors, but I have always said the sign of a good modeler is how well they fix mistakes! I have not installed the wheels, turret basket, tow cables, and a few small items until after painting.

I decided not to post a feature but just include some final remarks and some pictures of my finished build here. However, when I go to upload photos it takes me to a gallery page with no instructions on how to load images...not so user friendly, can anyone point me where I can get instructions on loading images?

I uploaded the images and got this: "The category you chose for this photo can't contain photos."

The gallery here is a PITA!
Upload 1 photo at a time. Keep pictures sized at 800 x600.
For general picture posting in threads, go to an offsite picture hosting website.
Alot of us use Imgur.

I hope your enjoying the kit. I love this kit. Between the accuracy and the box art, it's my favorite Panzer III on the market. I'm learning something in this thread too. I built mine in 24th Panzer markings after being inspired by the book "Death of the Leaping Horseman." highly recommended.

Thanks Marc, appreciate your help. Would rather have each individual picture visible from on my post with ability to add text under each picture and have them larger than just a thumbnail. Not sure if I did the picture posting correctly or not?

I agree Nate, great Panzer III kit. I purchased a copy of Achtung Panzer No. 2
for the the Panzer III. I also purchased an upgrade PE kit for a Panzer III Ausf. j. So, I will be purchasing another kit and this version will be a late J with the L/60, standard late rear deck, spaced armor, etc...

I added the following:

Scratch built the conduit and wiring in the front as Dragon did not include.

trimmed down front and rear fender flaps to a thin more prototypical look. Bent the edges here and there for typical damage.

Added chain to the rear tow eye retaining rod.

Wiring for both rear convoy lights.

Also, PE MA-5 was a mystery as to where it goes? More later.

Does anyone know what PE part MA-5 from Dragon Kit 6954 is used for? Thanks.

You mentioned panting the J as a vehicle in Tropen scheme over Dunkelgrau. I’d personally be wary of that as by the time the J with the long 5cm was in production, I think the kit designated Tropen was painted in Tropen scheme over primer in the factory. The Dunkelgrau was seen on the first kit to arrive for 5. leichte Division but that didn’t apply throughout the campaign. Certainly by the time of the Tunisuan campaign it was no longer used on Tropen designated equipment.

Hey Mike, Thanks for the suggestion on the PE part. This is not the part on my PE fret. Mine has only the MA-5 and it bends up to a "U" shaped piece and reminds me of maybe the end of the fire extinguisher as a bracket? First build so not as familiar with the small bits yet. Dragon instructions don't show my MA-5 (big surprise! Lol).

I'm checking out Imgur for sure. Really enjoy this site because of the people I have met so far...t will be much more enjoyable once I get the image posting worked out.

Pulled the trigger on an air brush today and already have a good air system. Also bought a budget spray booth that I thought I'd try as the reviews were reasonable. Have a stash going already so I'm dug in deep enough to stay now! Tanks again..

Hi Robert, such a welcome post and appreciate your wisdom here. This is the kind of information I will be figuring out over time but need schooled at every opportunity. I thank you for taking the time. I decided to use the short barrel L-45 gun rather than the long as I was getting the feeling that I was on the edge of what would have been plausible for when I was placing my vehicle in Africa. From what I can tell, the 10th Panzer Division was sent to Africa from France so I would assume the tank was Panzer gray then camo applied once arriving in Africa. What would be your recommendation for color scheme...Thanks...Ken

Oops! My apologies. Before referring to my instruction sheet, I should have Googled the instructions for "your" particular kit (6954) — HUGE difference! — not the same parts at all, and I have no clue at this time. So as not to create unnecessary confusion among the forums, I've gone ahead and deleted my original post.

Wiping the egg off my face! 🍳🤪
—mike

No worries Mike, that's what its all about getting in there and discussing stuff. I appreciate the time you spent looking into it. Speaking of PE stuff, I ordered an upgrade kit for this vehicle (Panzer III Ausf. J) but ended up not wanting to wait to build mine for it to arrive from Australia so I decided to get another Ausf. J and build it up as a late with the longer L-60, different hatches etc...and use the PE Kit on it. In the mean time, picked up Dragon 6644 StuG. III Ausf F/8 with Winterketten, very cool kit. Too many kits, not enough time.

Well finally finished up this Panzer III J. DAK version from the 10th Panzer Division. I did not think I had enough experience to chronicle this build with comments regarding the painting, detailing and weathering. Would of course be happy to discuss same anytime. The photos of the finished vehicle are in my gallery page here. Not sure how to link them to this post...sigh...

On to my next project build...hmmm? Ken

Oops, here it is. Not sure if I got it there or had some help...I suspect help! Thanks Robbie!

Nice looking panzer Ken! The little details, like that photo-realistic bucket, really make it pop.

Cheers,
Nate

Appreciate that Nate.

This was a really nice kit and built up without any issues other than my own!

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for the encouragement. This is a great site but easy to get lost in the magnitude of things so a personal note like yours makes a new modeler feel welcome. Thanks again.

Ken