After long last, a tank by me. DML's 1/35 Pzr III E, c. France to the Balkans, my first attempt at individual track links. The Panzerjaegers are 25 year-old Tamiyas.

The Mk. III is my favorite of the Panzers, and while the 'Emil' was quickly upgunned to the short Kwk 5cm, I have a photo of a 3.7cm 'Emil' running along in Afrika with DAK.

Hi Fred

I like your completed model.

I also share your enthusiasm for the Panzer III.

I have built this kit and you have done a great job.

I liked it so much I have another to build.

How did you like doing the individual tracks?

Just one very small point did you want to paint the machine guns a dark gunmetal colour? This a question not a criticism.

Regards

Sean

Fred:

Nice panzer 3. Which DML kit was it? How was the build? The weathering was nicely done.

Good job

Hey Fred,

Good job!

Like you, I'm a big PzKpfw III buff, especially the early models. I've got the same kit and hope to get to it sometime before the sun goes nova :-)

I really liked the first pic.


Rgds


Paul

Nice job on your Pz IIIE. I have a Pz IIIG nearing completion, also the Dragon kit. I am a "dragon track link" virgin, and must admit feel a bit intimidated for want of a better word at the thought of attempting them. I am considering the Fruil track links as an option. Any one any thoughts on that?

I share your enthusiasm for the Pz III range which would include the Stug III's of course.

Once I get htis Pz IIIG completed I will get some pics on here for your comments.

Des

Des,

I built the DML PZIII J and used Fruil tracks, sweet.. but I can't afford to use those on every kit. I just completed the indy link assembly for the DML StuG III C/D and like you I was intimidated by them... The biggest part of the job was cleaning them up, and I cut myself a few times in the process. I didn't get carried away with clean up, but if you want to sand and fill every ejector mark... you will be at it for considerably longer than the 3-4hrs it took me to clean them up.
Don't try to clean them up in one sitting, sit down for 20-30 mins at a time, or when watching tv, before you know it they are done. Once done... I used this technique for the one side and for the other side I just assembled them in larger sections:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/84

I plan on painting the tracks off the vehicle. With the PZIII paint the vehicle (and tracks) before gluing the upper and lower hull if you can and you will find mounting the tracks easier once completed.

The PZIII J was my first tracked vehicle, when time permits I'd like to build all the variants of the PZIII available, including building the J again.

Martyn

Fred

Nice Panzer III What AM tracks did you use? Is that a warthog I see on the turret sides near the front?

Hi Everyone,

Thank you, I appreciate your comments.

Generalzod,
Wow, thank you, these are the kit links!
Yes, it is the Luftwaffe's Wilde Sau insignia. What is it doing on a tank? Well, until recently I rarely built actual vehicles, making up my own units instead. An outlet of my art and wargaming background; decades ago I created a Wehrmacht unit along the lines of Grossdeutchland, including unit organization, markings, and tunic cuff-titles. This Wilde Sau is a very German icon, interesting to look at, and available without having to hand-paint.

Brian It is DML's Pzr III-E. Very easy and straight forward to build, very enjoyable, except for the track links--my first time with them. The weathering was mainly on the lower hull and running gear, showing dust-mud splashing-dust, with dust topside. I figured this stage of the war had not allowed these machines time to really weather, thus limiting the topside to some boot mud, and POL spills.

Sean
I appreciate constructive criticism, so if you see something, let me know. :-) I painted the guns gun metal, and the twin MGs on the mantel have armored sheaths, painted Panzer Grau. The dust tended to blend them together.