Zvezda 1/100 PzKpfw III ausf G

Panzer III was the common name of amedium tank that was developed in the 1930s by Germany and was used extensively inWorld War II. The official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen III (abbreviatedPzKpfw III) translating as "armoured battle vehicle". It was intended to fight otherarmoured fighting vehicles and serve alongside the infantry-supportingPanzer IV. However, as the Germans faced the formidable T-34, stronger anti-tank guns were needed. Since the Panzer IV had a bigger turret ring, the role was reversed. The Panzer IV mounted the long barreled 7.5 cmKwK 40 gun and engaged in tank-to-tank battles. The Panzer III became obsolete in this role and for most purposes was supplanted by the Panzer IV. From 1942, the last version of Panzer III mounted the 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24, better suited for infantry support. Production of the Panzer III ended in 1943. However, the Panzer III's capable chassis provided hulls for the Sturmgeschütz III until the end of the war.

Panzer III Ausf. G was the second major production variant (the Ausf A-D were preproduction with the E-F being considered the first major production version) - Morearmour on gun mantlet. Armed with 5 cm KwK 38 L/42 gun. 600 produced in 1940-1941.

This is another of Zvezda's war gaming kits and this time it is in 1/100 scale. It seems a bit odd a scale for a kit, but perhaps it is more important for the overall kit to be a specific size than it is to match the scale of other hardware used. Or it could be that there are separate scales used.

Anyway, there is one very glossy sprue of plastic and a movement card included in the square box. The packaging shows that these kits are designed to hang from a display rack in stores.

There are nine parts on the sprue with the hull being a single piece. Each side's road wheels and tracks and return rollers are a single piece as well. These attach to a side/suspension piece which itself attaches to the hull sides. It seems that Zvezda is molding these so that different variants can be built using some of the same molds. The upper hull is two pieces with the fenders and exhaust being a separate piece atop which the rest of the upper hull attaches. The turret and guns are one piece with the commander's cupola and turret bustle fitting atop that.

Instructions are a very simple exploded 3D drawing. No painting information is supplied and no decals are included. I'd like to have seen at least hull numbers and crosses in with the kit. Perhaps an aftermarket company will help out in this regard as the tank will look a bit barren without them.

This kit is part of a number specially done for Zvezda's 'Art of Tactic' game system. It should make into a very nice and quickly built model in its own right and is really perfect for new modelers thanks to its snap construction.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_III

March 2011 

Thanks  towww.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours at your local retailer.

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