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Thursday, September 28, 2017 - 03:16 PM UTC
The newest Dragon project is a 15cm s.IG.33 auf Fahrgestell Pz.Kpfw.III, used by the Deutsches Afrika Korps, specifically the 90 leichte Infanterie-Division, in North Africa.
Germany created a wide number of self-propelled howitzers (SPH) during WWII, these typically being converted from existing tank chassis. Indeed, some were even field-improvised conversions, and this is the case with Dragon’s newest German kit. It represents a 15cm s.IG.33 auf Fahrgestell Pz.III which, as its name suggests, mated a 15cm field howitzer with a Panzer III chassis. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was seeking heavy artillery mounted on tracked chassis because horse-drawn or truck-drawn howitzers were impractical in the desert and this vehicle was the result. It first saw action in September 1942.

Just like its forbear in the desert of North Africa in WWII, it combines the Panzer III and s.IG.33 howitzer, both already high-quality items from Dragon’s range. However, it’s far more than just an amalgamation of two kits, because many new components were required to make this vehicle a reality. The front armored shield and the armor plates protecting the sides and rear of the fighting compartment. The installation of the 15cm howitzer in this compartment also required new parts. Furthermore, there’s a new stowage rack mounted on the rear of the engine deck. Not only is this a unique addition to the Panzer III range, but this novel SPH gives fans of DAK subjects something new to sink their teeth into!
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Comments

from what I've read there were 12 shipped to Africa. gary
SEP 29, 2017 - 01:37 AM
Thanks, Gary, in that case, I'm in.
SEP 29, 2017 - 02:19 AM
The 12 were the ones built on lengthened Pz II chassis. The Pz III variant was a one-off field conversion done on an Ausf H. I can see this one finding its way to the stash.
SEP 29, 2017 - 02:47 AM
IIRC,, Dragon released a kit of the PzII version a couple years ago or so.
SEP 29, 2017 - 03:28 AM
Kit #6440 released in 2011 as a Smart Kit. I have one for the Crusader To Gazala campaign.
SEP 29, 2017 - 03:39 AM
my error!! I looked at the wrong photo. There were 12 built off the PzKw II hull. Never saw the PzKw III version before. glt
SEP 29, 2017 - 06:02 AM
In the first pic above you can see the discarded Pz lll recuperator cover from the conversion lying on the sand in front of the tank.
SEP 29, 2017 - 10:14 AM
When I asdked Google about images of this Pz III conversion I got a few of the Pz III and a LOT of the Bison variant on the Pz II chassis (same number of roadwheels and the same general appearance). I included an image of the Bison just for the fun of it / Robin
SEP 29, 2017 - 02:10 PM
Hmmm...another one-off for the shop? Perhaps.
SEP 30, 2017 - 07:57 AM
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