introduction

Designed as the logical companion to the Pz. III ausf L basic set (28-031), Eduard graces us with a neat pair of metal frets representing the Schurzen spaced armor and supports for the 1/48 scale Tamiya kit. With careful reading of the four-page multi-color instructions any modeler with a rudimentary knowledge of photoetch should have little problem enhancing their model with this offering.

contents

Eduard recommends employing Achtung Panzer No. 2 - Panzerkampfwagen III as reference material, and it appears they follow examples found in that book nearly exactly.

Perhaps not necessary, but one of the fine commercially available metal bending tools would no doubt come in handy. The pair of three and a-half inch longitudinal supports could prove tricky to bend evenly, but the remainder of the less-awkward hangers possesses more than adequate bend lines, so each should be easily shaped using flat-blade pliers or heavy tweezers.

Each side of the hull requires three main supports, four secondary brackets, and six schurzen panels and accompanying hardware. Of note on the right side of the hull is the peculiarly bent center support. This was fashioned so as to accommodate the aerial trough, which straddles the bracket. New standards for the trough are also included in this set. Again, careful review of the recommended reference will point this feature out.

The modeler will need to assemble and install eight secondary brackets, or stand-offs, mounted on the edge of edge of each fender. These kept the schurzen square with the vehicle and pushed away so as not to interfere with the running gear. These two-piece affairs look daunting, but careful gluing (or soldering, for those especially skilled) will yield a solid, but petite, detail.

Described in the instructions is the unique way a pair of schurzen shared the same mount at each respective end, creating an overlap when installed. Two line drawings define this arrangement. The reference material also mentions the forward-most hull schurzen (Parts 22 and 23) were found on some command Pz. III L’s. Eduard offers no alternative.

The turret also receives a full compliment of schurzen. Eduard has devised a really cool way to keep each collection of three supports equidistant and aligned by designing each trio onto a common panel – which the modeler glues to the bottom of both sides of the kit turret then, bends the brackets to shape. Neato!

Another neat feature of the turret schurzen was a thin strip of wood affixed to the lower edge of the rear-mounted large curved armor. Though not found on every vehicle, and likewise not addressed by Eduard, this was an isolation strip whose purpose was to prevent the aerial from coming into contact with metal, therefore rendering the radio useless. I thought it an interesting feature to mention.

in conclusion

All in all, another fine example of metal madness from Eduard. A well-researched and ingeniously designed treatment of schurzen specifically for the Tamiya 1/48 scale Pz. III L.

Highly recommended.