Dragon 1/72 Panzer III ausf L

The Panzer III was intended as the primary battle tank of the German forces, and early in the war, it was quite capable of performing that function. However, when it initially met the KV and T-34 tanks in mid 1941, it proved to be inferior in both armor and gun power. At that time, the role of the Panzer III became secondary to that of the Panzer IV and production finally ceased in 1943. One of the later models to be produced was the Panzer III Ausf.L, which featured a longer and more powerful 5cm KwK 39 L/60 main gun. It also boasted thicker armor, with an additional 20mm-thick layer on the turret and hull front. A total of 653 Ausf.L tanks were produced in 1942 by German factories.

Many consider the Dragon range of 1/72 military vehicles to be the best around. For sure they seem to have great detail and that is what many modelers seek. This one continues their growing range of panzers by offering a nice Eastern Front boxing

The kit includes a single piece hull with a one-piece upper surface. The Panzer III had quite a few road wheels and so it is with this kit. In fact, I would have to say that about half the parts count is wheels, rollers and sprockets. There are even spares to attach on the fenders.

The kit provides a nice photo etch enhancement in the form of intake and exhaust grilles, something that is perfect for this medium. The kit also includes Dragon's superb DS tracks. The turret includes a nicely done gun and mantlet along with the bustle that was used on this version.

Instructions are well done with a full color painting guide. Four options are given, all in overall desert tan. First is a winter whitewashed tank from PzRgt 25, 7 PzDiv in South Russia during 1943. Next, with brown squiggles over the paint is a tank from PzRgt 4, 13 Pz Div, also in South Russia, but during 1942. With green squiggles over the paint is a PzRg 33, 9 PzDiv vehicle, also from South Russia in 1942. The final option is from the Wiking Division in Russia during 1942. No additional camo on this one. The small sheet provides all the necessary markings and is nicely printed..

A very nice addition to the Dragon line. I personally like Panzer IIIs and one of the few German 1/72 tanks I have built have been this type. This one should make into a real beauty when done.