I need help with the size and "look' of a Panzerfaust penatration on a T-34.
I'm figuring since the panzerfaust was a shaped charge HEAT round the hole would be rather small, and the armor would look melted at the impact point.

In 1/35 scale, how small would that be and still be able to be seen on the model?

Any help would be great.

Sgtmike

The panzerfaust had a relatively large shaped charge warhead, at least compared to a bazooka rocket, but the hole would still be quite small. For some reason, I'm thinking that the hole itself is somewhere between the size of the US nickel and quarter, so it would be small but visible. And you are correct, the hole is not the only mark of the penetration. Surrounding the hole will usually be a blackened ring of damaged steel with furrowed striations extending out from the center somewhat like a sunburst. The hole might also have a slight ridge circling it as well from backsplash of molten steel, basically. I'd imagine you can likely google the word and get some pictures.
Hope this helps.

Edited to add: Welcome to Armorama!

SgtMike -

First, Welcome to Armorama! As you've already now experienced, there is a wealth of knowledge and great people willing to give info, support, and techniques. Take advantage and enjoy.

As for the Panzerfaust, Steve has given the info you need. I've used a "heated" needle to get the effect for the armor penetration. It 'melts' the plastic in just the right way, but I do suggest you practice on some scrap first.

Blade48mrd

Thanks for the info.

I really am impressed by the site and everyone who is a part of it. I'm very happy to be a part of Armorama!

Sgtmike

In Belton Cooper's book "Death Traps" he mentions how he test fired a captured Panzerfaust onto the face plate of an abandoned Tiger II. He said the entrance hole was about 1/2 inch diameter and the exit hole on the inside face about 3/4 inch.

This is from memory but I think I've got it right

The small hole is interesting and piques my curiosity. What kind of damage did it do inside after making the small hole? Was there enough blast leftover to damage/kill crew or internal mechanics?

Hi,
The PzF 60 was the most feared infantry weapon of WW2. Maybe it made a small hole, but it caused a lot of damage.
This weapon was the ancestor of the Russian RPG-2 and -7. They are the scariest infantry weapons on todays battlefield because they are so versatile, like the Panzerfaust.

Chris

Thanks gentlemen.

Like Stavka43 said. When the round melts (penetraits) the armor it causes the metal around the entry hole to flake off and spray around inside, piercing fuel lines, ammo, fule tanks, crew members. It's a nasty weapon and you don't need much training to know how to use it.

Again, thanks for all the info and responses. You guys are great.

Sgtmike