SDKFZ 141/1 Panzer 3 Ausf L

[wjbrandel]

Decided to start this model while I wait for some paints and paint booth filters come in. Tamiya panzer 3. I am not sure how I am going to paint it yet. Thinking of early/mid 40 European theatre.

 

[Edbert]

Did the Pz-III have the long barreled (50mm?) gun in 1940?

 

[wjbrandel]

December 1941 is when they began converting the 3s to the 50mm, but from about October 1940 the 50mm were being installed to test the effectiveness of the gun from the meager source books I have at my disposal as well as all knowing google. However if someone else knows for sure let me know. I don't mind .

 

[wjbrandel]

Got a bit more done on the tank.

As you can see the linoleum monster got hungry and took the rear bump stop.

I have been using the vallejo plastic putty to fill minor seams and imperfections. So far I like it.

 

[mhuskers88]

Are you going to paint it 'fresh from the factory' or give it a rustic/battle-damaged look?

 

[wjbrandel]

I thinking field use with the weathering but no battle damage so to speak. Of course that can change when my clumsy fingers break a part or two

 

[Edbert]

I thinking field use with the weathering but no battle damage so to speak. Of course that can change when my clumsy fingers break a part or two

Indeed!

Turns out there's more than one kind of battle damage, some planned, some not.

 

[DannyCalm]

The III L is a beautiful tank.
Very interested in seeing what paint job or weathering you go with.

 

[scottie]

I will follow this along.

 

[wjbrandel]

Ok here is an update. My unexpected guests are finally gone (much to everyone's relief), so I will be resuming this model probably starting Saturday.

 

[Edbert]

Ok here is an update. My unexpected guests are finally gone (much to everyone's relief), so I will be resuming this model probably starting Saturday.

We all look forward to the Christmas season, and then are equally happy when it is over.

o7

 

[BarleyBop]

Looking forward to it... I've been concentrating on softskins with a few tracked vehicles thrown in, but looks like tanks are busting their way into my stash! Seems like a whole other universe!

 

[wjbrandel]

Finally got some paint on the model, it had been so long I had to clean my airbrush. I finally decided on 1942 the Russian front.

 

[BarleyBop]

Finally got some paint on the model

Yay!
"...and coming around the first turn, its @wjbrandel ! "

 

[Jakko]

Small detail: the insides of the turret hatches should be the same as the outside of the tank

 

[BarleyBop]

the insides of the turret hatches should be the same as the outside of the tank

Ya, I've been wondering about this as well... I have some German armour in the stash and will face the same decision point.

There is some discussion related to how early in the war we are talking about, that they may have shipped that way early on, just to be painted over in the field by crews who wanted to avoid a big bullseye on the side of their tank...
One commentator even made the sarcastic observation that every rule was followed, until it wasn't.

The interwebs mostly seem to agree with @Jakko , but also point out the inevitable exceptions with photographic evidence.

I did find this interesting site, though I am not knowledgeable enough to attest to their reliability:
https://panzerworld.com/german-armor-camouflage
with two example photos of Pz-III: one with, one without turret hatch painted same as exterior.

Go figure!

 

[Jakko]

Interesting, that last one does seem to have a white hatch interior. I suspect it would have been unlikely, though.

 

[wjbrandel]

Small detail: the insides of the turret hatches should be the same as the outside of the tank

Yep realized that after I took the pictures and posted them. It's a small error to fix.

Interesting, that last one does seem to have a white hatch interior. I suspect it would have been unlikely, though.

The rest of the interior according to the directions is an off white almost an ivory

 

[kevin]

Saw this, thought it would be of interest in this thread.

Looks like some white hatches around the 2:36 mark.

 

[Jakko]

Yep, it is. I suppose they switched from white to exterior colour once they found crews would leave the hatches open when not in use?

 

[wjbrandel]

Saw this, thought it would be of interest in this thread.

Looks like some white hatches around the 2:36 mark.

I'll have to watch it, but the color has already been changed. Just need to out a matte clear coat and a little bit of touch up and I'll be calling it done.

 

[wjbrandel]

Work got cancelled today due to the weather, so I was able to finish the panzer.

I can see in the photos I missed some areas for mud and I need to work a little more with mud. In person it looked good. That's ok though I am happy with it.

It was supposed to have a figure for it but it got lost some where and when I find it I'll put it in the TC's hatch.