Rubicon Models
Rubicon Models => Work In Progress => Topic started by: Rubicon Models on May 25, 2017, 01:26:14 am
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We have not started the Panzer III Digital Library yet, just some preliminary info, and may be a few line drawings, for data collections and comments only!
;)
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Panzerkampfwagen III Medium Tanks
Panzer III Ausf A – 1936 - 10 units - Prototype; only 8 armed and saw service in Poland. Armed with 3.7cm KwK 36 L/46.5 main gun, 250 PS HL 108 engine.
Panzer III Ausf B – 1937 - 10 units - Prototype; some saw service in Poland.
Panzer III Ausf C – 1937/38 - 15 units - Prototype; some saw service in Poland.
Panzer III Ausf D – 1938/40 - 25 + 5 units - Prototype; some saw service in Poland and Norway. Armour upgraded to 30mm front, side and back.
Panzer III Ausf E – 1939/40 - 96 units - Suspension re-designed, switching from leaf-springs to torsion-bars, now using 6 larger road wheels per side. 300 PS HL 120 engine.
Panzer III Ausf F – 1940 - 450 units - Improved Ausf E, first mass-production version, late production armed with 5cm KwK 38 L/42 main gun.
Panzer III Ausf G – 1940/41 - 594 units - More armour on gun mantlet. Armed with 3.7cm KwK 36 L/46.5 (later 5cm KwK 38 L/42) gun.
Panzer III Ausf H – 1940/41 - 286 units - 5cm KwK 38 L/42 as standard gun. Bolt-on armour added to front and rear hull (30mm base + 30mm plates).
Panzer III Ausf I – Variant mentioned in Allied intelligence reports but not an actual existing vehicle. Possible confusion with Ausf J.
Panzer III Ausf J – 1941/42 - 1,521 units - Hull and turret front armour increased to solid 50mm plate. Some were produced with 5cm KwK 39 L/60 gun and later re-designated Ausf L.
Panzer III Ausf K – 1942/43 - 50 units - Panzerbefehlswagen command tank variant with a modified turret. Carried actual main armament rather than a dummy gun as found on other Panzer III command versions.
Panzer III Ausf L – 1941/42 - 1,470 units - Re-designated Aus. J equipped with long 5 cm gun, 20 mm stand-off armour plates on hull and turret front.
Panzer III Ausf M – 1942/43 - 517 units - Minor modifications of the Ausf L such as deep-wading exhaust and Schürzen side-armour panels.
Panzer III Ausf N – 1942/43 - 614 - Infantry support tank, armed with a short-barrelled 7.5cm KwK 37 L/24 gun.
Command Tanks
Ausf D - 1938/39 - 30 units
Ausf E - 1938/40 - 45 units
Ausf H - 1940/41 - 175 units
Ausf J - 1941/42 - 81 units
Ausf K - 1942/43 - 50 units
Flamm - 1943 - 100 units
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I hope that you make an earlier version of the Panzer III than the Ausf.L. Besides DML, UM,and a few 1/72 wargaming kits, the earlier versions have been overlooked in plastic.
I feel that you need a plastic opponent for your Crusader I and II's, and your upcoming T-26's!
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It won't be any surprise that I'd like to see a Panzer III that served in Poland. The Ausf E is the obvious contender although if you wanted to game the Norwegian campaign you'd probably like an Ausf D. It would certainly create confusion for those who identify Panzer III's by the number of road wheels!
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(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Forum%20PzIII%20Compared%20170525-1s_zpsbpsqyjpy.jpg)
- After the basic screening of the Panzer III variants, we probably will skip all the prototypes and start the project with Ausf E/F.
- Will definitely look into doing all the main wartime variants, including the Ausf G / H / J.
- Then working on the late Panzer IIIs... Ausf K / L / M / N.
- Will do the Flammpanzer III Ausf M.
- Might do a command tank if sprue space permitted.
- Might include 2 half body figures.
- Might include schurzen... if so, will definitely be a 3 or 4 sprue kit.
Not going to discuss details yet, need more time to study each variant in depth. Hopefully will have all good features of the old Panzer III, plus enhanced options like open hatches and track details; and more guns and mantlet options!
Comments?
;)
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That sounds great!!
When you sculpt the crew figures, could you make at least one of them wearing the service shirt, and not the panzer wrap tunic?? That figure could be used for all fronts equally (well,maybe not during the winter)
Thanks!
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I am delighted to see the inclusion of a veteran of the Polish campaign, Ausf E. Of course it is also likely to be found on the battlefield years later.
The possibility of a command vehicle is good as well.
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I'll have one of each please :D You really don't need 2 half figures for the III as you only have a commander to worry about . Unless the figures are going to be modeled in different uniforms ( for Russia - Africa ) just a couple of alternate heads will do . Of course if you want to have open turret side doors and include seated figures to fit there ...... it would save me kit bashing some like this Pzr IV crew
(https://s10.postimg.org/6k52w61d1/BA_Pzr_IV_-_crew.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6k52w61d1/)
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- After the basic screening of the Panzer III variants, we probably will skip all the prototypes and start the project with Ausf E/F.
Since the Pz III is being talked about in other threads, thought I would revisit this old chestnut and ask ... any news regarding hte PZ III E/F? Has the digital library started yet? Anything you can share?
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They said in the panzer IV thread that it’ll start properly once the panzer IV is completed.
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We know that had been a lot of talking about our new Panzer III Digital Project. Due to all the QC of new moulds, our staff just do not have the time or energy to work on the Panzer III drawings... until now. This is what we have done so far... basic structure of the Panzer III based on the Ausf L. We do have to start somewhere and the Ausf L is basically the best starting point as this variant can be "updated" both forward and backward for other variants.
This is a total redesign and redraw of the complete tank, not a modification of the old one!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3-L%20180720-1_zps3ibjgpdv.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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A Pz III E/F kit, with both 37mm and 50mm weapon options, suits me just fine. Covers Poland and France right there, and later campaigns as well. Always happy to hear that a plastic kit is coming for early war!
I can see why you would not do a Pz III B/C/D. Too few built, and the 8-wheeled suspension would require a new hull. Would I buy one? Yes. But I don't know how many potential customers you would have for that early series.
Anyway, happy to hear this project has come off "hold" and is now getting some attention!
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I agree, Ausf 'E' is early enough. Although a Panzer III with eight road wheels does have a certain novelty/amusement value.
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I wouldn't mind an early Panzer III kit , maybe I could kit bash one of these
(https://s33.postimg.cc/z6zfrela3/687a1eae51d9633eaf02f0eb20ed2b96_111734.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/z6zfrela3/)
IMO one of the coolest looking Stugs
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Interesting "Paper Panzer" Ripley. They only made 5 of those as a first prototype "proof of concept" for the Stug III. They started out with wooden mock-up guns, later replaced with the real thing. But the armor was soft steel. They were considered unfit for combat, and only ever used for training purposes.
Hulls were built in late 1936, where they were then sent to Krupp for mounting of actual guns in early 1937. By the fall of 1937 they were used in trials. The original version of the prototype had no roof, they were open topped. During trials, they decided this was not going to work for their intended role, and a thin roof was added in 1939.
Ultimately, the prototypes were successful, and that led to the first production variant, the Stug III A (based on the 6-wheeled Pz III), produced between January and May 1940. A total of 36 of this variant were made, before they moved on to the Stug III B.
I would definately pick up a Pz III D if one ever becomes available. They served in Poland and Norway. Don't think I would try and Model the prototype Stug though. That looks like a LOT of work!
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We know that had been a lot of talking about our new Panzer III Digital Project. Due to all the QC of new moulds, our staff just do not have the time or energy to work on the Panzer III drawings... until now. This is what we have done so far... basic structure of the Panzer III based on the Ausf L. We do have to start somewhere and the Ausf L is basically the best starting point as this variant can be "updated" both forward and backward for other variants.
This is a total redesign and redraw of the complete tank, not a modification of the old one!
* * RM picture of Panzer III Ausf.L removed * *
Yes, I agree with Rubicon Models. They have to start somewhere and the Ausf L is a good starting point.
However, I feel the need to toss out some words of caution. Why? Because I hope it will help RM and the gamer/modeller community as a whole. Also because Italeri already produces a nice Panzer III Ausf J/L/M/N in plastic - power to the plastic!. Probably not everyone likes this kit, but I know many (including myself) that do like this kit.
Just like many other modellers and gamers out there, I already have several of these nice Italeri Panzer III models. I can't speak for everyone, but to be honest with RM, I know for certain when and if RM releases their a Panzer III Ausf.L, many will not be very interested because the Italeri Panzer III plastic kit does an very good job in meeting their needs. That being said, this is why many people I know (including myself) are excited to hear that RM is going to start the project with Ausf E/F versions first. RM also said, "Will definitely look into doing all the main wartime variants, including the Ausf G / H / J", and these version will also draw interest from the gamer/modeller community. However, then when RM said, "Then working on the late Panzer IIIs... Ausf K / L / M / N", and it was at that very moment my first thoughts were, "I'm so glad they plan to do these last."
Again, I can't speak for everyone, but I actually like the Italeri Panzer III Ausf.J/L/M/N plastic kit. Its a pretty good kit and I have no plans to replace them with RM model kits. I only say this to inform RM because I'm probably not the only gamer/modeller that feels this way, and I hope this additional information will be useful to RM. I also say this to try and encourage plastic model companies to work together rather to complete against each other. Yes, I know the latter statement is a "living in a dreamworld" statement, but it had to be said. The gamer/modeller has more to gain if model companies coordinated their projects better so they see far less duplicates of vehicles - I already know that its far more complicated than that.
It's fantastic that RM is planning to release a Panzer III Ausf.E to Ausf.N, but sometimes overlap is bad.
(https://italeri.com/gest/resize.asp?path=15757_box(1).jpg&width=800&height=600)
As a side note, I recommend to other gamers/modellers to buy the Italeri kit (pictured above) than the "Bolt Action" Warlord Games kit. It is exactly the same plastic sprues! However, the Italeri kits comes with better color painting examples, better assembly instructions, better decals, and what I think is a better box. Also, the Italeri kits cost less! At least for me the cost was less than the Warlord kits.
The flip side to this is that if we don't buy the Warlord "Bolt Action" kits, Warlord might stop asking Italeri to produce new 1:56 (28mm) scale plastic vehicle kits for them. The ones they have already produced for Warlord are pretty good.
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I understand where you are coming from Tracks, and that is: gamer and modeller. And from that perspective, it would be nice if there was somehow a way for various companies to coordinate their efforts when releasing kits. We (the consumer) would get more stuff, more quickly.
And yes, it can be frustrating to hear that a kit is in development, and then you find out that one or two other companies also jumped on that same kit, and suddenly you get three releases of (for example) a German 88mm, instead of three separate kits.
But we would not get ANY toys, if these companies did not stay in business, and it makes more business sense (at least to me) to approach development the way Rubicon has.
I do not doubt that a company can decide to release a Pz III Ausf "X" and make a pretty good kit.
But approaching the Pz III as a family of kits, and researching the various models, and coming to certain conclusions (perhaps finding the best cut-off points between certain models due to major hull or turret or track changes) means that when they develop the Pz III, I think we will get even better kits in the long run.
A company that just focuses on the Ausf "X" might miss that a certain change took place very late in that series. All they see is a nice diagram or blueprint or photo and so they model that aspect because "it is there". And then people like us come along and criticize them because of the 1500 made in that model, only the last 80 had that feature. And now the kit has much more limited use.
So I applaud Rubicon for approaching a vehicle like the Pz III or Pz IV (or T-26, or ... etc) by researching the ENTIRE series, and then forming up kits that contain certain models. I don't think the T-26 kit would be anywhere near as comprehensive as it is if they had just decided "Let's just knock out the T-26 M39" since that was the final one.
So I do understand that for those who already have a certain model, and they like it, that they will probably not replace what they have with a newer kit. Hobby time to build and paint a kit is hard to come by. But I still approve of how Rubicon approaches an entire line of kits. I would NOT want them to skip a particular model in a series, just because (for example) Italeri already has a solid kit that represents that particular vehicle already.
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The BA/Italeri III is an awesome kit . You can , with a little help from your library ( cause the instruction suck ) make a wide range of Panzer III J,K,L & M . Love that the vision ports on the turret sides and the hull escape hatches are seperate pieces . Also their side skirt assembly is easy to modify to remove panels .
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The BA/Italeri Panzer III is a very good kit. As is their StuG III. Both kits rather showed up their Rubicon counterparts, in terms of accuracy and detail. The only issue with both is the tracks, which don't quite sit properly on the idler and drive sprocket, and they messed up the spaced armour on the mantlet. Rubicon's Panzer III Ausf L - N will have the advantage of Rubicon's (IMO) superior tracks and running gear, although I do wish they'd put the track detail on both ends and not just the front. I think EarlyWarGamer has a good point about Rubicon producing the entire (or most of) the Panzer III series, rather than leaving out important variants because BA/Italeri do them. However, that means I'm far more interested in the earlier variants. The Ausf E/F would fill a big gap, providing a vehicle that saw important service in several theatres during the early period of the war.
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I never built the BA Stug , but Rubicon's is great with the variety of options you can build . They probably could have just given the option of 75mm gun or 105 howitzer like BA did ( did you get the Saukopf mantlet ? ) But Rubicon gave you 3 roof options 2 types of machine gun mounts, two mantlets , 3 versions of the 75mm gun muzzle break and the 105 , a real great kit for kit bashers . Lower front nose panel angled wrong though . I guess its what part of the hobby you're partial to , the gaming part , or the modelling part . As a modeler I want more options in the kits I purchase . Really there is no right or wrong kit , it's what ever kit gives you the tank / vehicle you want / need . Rubicon's Schurzen , while great for a game piece , leaves a lot to be desired as model piece . So I just used their supports and made my own skirting . What works / looks good to me , might not to you . I still say the more variety we have in companies making 1/56 models the better . Just look at the 88mm Flak gun , we have 2 companies issuing the same kit with different crews ( metal or plastic ) and a lot more detailed kit ( with trailers ) from Rubicon . Yes price might sway some buyers , as might the 1st kit to hit the shops ( shiny shiny ) , and it also might be what you want the kit for , objective , scenery piece , or model for diorama . Personally I'm getting 2 , Rubicon's and Italeri's with the plastic crew . But I've gone off topic :-[
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Really there is no right or wrong kit , it's what ever kit gives you the tank / vehicle you want / need .
I don't really agree with that, Ripley. You're an experienced kit-basher; a kit for you is just the raw material. More people want / expect an accurate model of the vehicle, and that's what kit manufacturers should be aiming for. With the wealth of high quality resources available, there's really no excuse for mistakes - at least on basic details. The Rubicon StuG III was ultimately rather disappointing because, despite the wealth of options, it had some quite noticable mistakes - principally the nose, but also the non-slip pattern on the trackguards. The Warlord/Italeri StuG is, sadly, much better. If Rubicon was just aiming for the wargaming market, then they could say that these details are comparatively unimportant; what matters is being able to field a reasonably accurate (and robust) representation of the vehicle without spending too long assembling it. That's where they started, and that's why their tanks have simplified, Roco-style tracks. But they're increasing pitching their kits as accurate scale models (to the extent that they're actually less suitable for wargaming, due to the number of fragile parts), and that means the details have to be right. They don't get a pass on, for instance, the missing Pilze sockets on their new Panzer IV Ausf J.
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I can understand your view Pinky, as someone with a not particularly broad knowledge of WW2 vehicles, I do hope that kit manufacturers do get things right. As they are human (unless the evil robot overlords are trying a new tack to take over the world ^__^) they do make mistakes and the good ones do something about it.
One of the many reasons why my BA Stug has remained on the shelf unfinished are the horrible wheels.
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What we need is a hybrid Rubicon / Italeri kit , great wheels , better detailed track , etc . Both companies do miss things on their respective kits though . Some gamers / modellers I know don't care , they just want tank X in their force or on their shelf . Others look at the kit as a starting point for additional detailing and kit bashing . I think its something that Rubicon / Italeri will always have trouble with as they both have a variety of customers who want different things from their kits , historical accuracy , ease of build , looks the part for game play , etc . Will the fact Rubicon missed the Plitze sockets worry most gamers , probably not , but will most of them even realize they are missing ? I don't think so . Will it worry most modellers , some it might , but others will just add the parts . We've been doing that to kits for years . Even the latest and greatest Takom or Meng 1200 piece kit has bits added to it , just look up any build on the scale modelling sites . And no , Rubicon shouldn't get a pass for leaving off the Plitze sockets . But its not a make or break omission IMO . Hopefully , there is still time for them to add them . If not this kit , then maybe they'll be a little more careful on the next kit . I really can't see them or anyone producing a kit that 100% of the customers are going to be happy with , we always find something wrong or missing ;D
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First, I applaud Rubicon Models for approaching a vehicle like the Pz III. I'm confused and and not sure where you got the idea I was against this project after reading my post above.
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=614.msg10262#msg10262
In fact, I'm really excited at the prospect of seeing some of the early versions like the E/F/G/H. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if their future Panzer III Ausf E/F and G/H kits are big sellers.
However... RM has mentioned on multiple occasions that the cost for developing and making of new molds is very expensive, which is true BTW. So what happens if RM releases a Panzer III Ausf J/L/M/N plastic model kit - competing with the Italeri kit - and it just doesn't sell?
What would be a better choice ("I'm just saying").
1) RM releases a Panzer III Ausf J/L/M/N plastic model kit - competing with the Italeri kit.
or
2) RM releases something new (Sdkfz.10 for example) that no other model company offers/has.
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Getting side-tracked by Stug III.
There is some talk about the Stug III. To be more specific, the difference between the Rubicon Models and Italeri kits. I have both and I can tell you that both are very good kits. They are not exactly the same! I agree with almost everything that was mentioned above about these two different kits. In short there are some good points and bad points to both kits.
My RM StuG is not painted, so here is a picture of one of my StuG III plastic models by Italeri. I hope this does not get me into too much trouble with RM. Anyway, I like the Italeri kit very much.
(https://s19.postimg.cc/3oblj1be7/Stu_G_III.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3oblj1be7/)
As I said before, all my 1/56 scale plastic kits are painted for the purpose of gaming only, and not the highly detailed work you would see for competition or static display. So nothing fancy. Just good enough for the gaming table.
Missing TC and MG
I need to make one note. I forgot to put the tank commander and the MG on the Stug before I took the picture. Both the TC and MG are removable. In fact, the only thing keeping the tank commander from falling out is the ND magnet. The TC has the magnet while the tank has a metal plate. The metal plate is added during assembly by drilling out the inside of the opening and permanently attaching a square piece (or any shape really) of metal from below. Of course I do this before I glue the upper hall to the lower hull.
Tracks
Oh, and as for the comment about the tracks on the Italeri Stug III, well, I have build a few of these kits and I had no issues what-so-ever, but I did remove those guide tabs and made sure the pieces fit perfectly before gluing. That wasn't difficult at all.
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Many good points on your previous post @Tracks but it might be too late for this.
Warlord will lunch 2 campaigns this year (Africa and France in November) and they might review their old kits (like resin Pz.IV Ausf. D ) and / or release early war Pz.III (at least Ausf. F).
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There is some talk about the Stug III. To be more specific, the difference between the Rubicon Models and Italeri kits. I have both and I can tell you that both are very good kits. They are not exactly the same! I agree with almost everything that was mentioned above about these two different kits. In short there are some good points and bad points to both kits.
The Warlord/Italeri StuG is fine straight out of the box. The Rubicon StuG needs the nose re-modelled, and you can't really fix the trackguard pattern (although Rubicon are revising the kit to deal with this point). Little details, like the smoke dischargers, are inferior to the other kit's. That said, I'm quite fond of my Rubicon StuG.
Oh, and as for the comment about the tracks on the Italeri Stug III, well, I have build a few of these kits and I had no issues what-so-ever, but I did remove those guide tabs and made sure the pieces fit perfectly before gluing. That wasn't difficult at all.
I tried that (on the Panzer III), but had a small gap around the idler and drive sprocket. In the end, I just prefer Rubicon's approach to the tracks and running gear, even if there's a loss of detail on the tracks.
Many good points on your previous post @Tracks but it might be too late for this.
Warlord will lunch 2 campaigns this year (Africa and France in November) and they might review their old kits (like resin Pz.IV Ausf. D ) and / or release early war Pz.III (at least Ausf. F).
Warlord seem to be a bit random about this. They don't put out plastic kits when they would support a new campaign book.
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All the BA tank kits I've built do have a slack fit to the track around the sprocket / idler . I usually just bend the track a bit to give it more sag , you might have to trim a little off a track guide tooth though . And while BA's wide wheels look OK on T-34s and Panther/Tigers , Rubicons wheels look much better on the wheel set types with return rollers ( Panzer III , IV and Shermans )
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Many good points on your previous post @Tracks but it might be too late for this.
Warlord will lunch 2 campaigns this year (Africa and France in November) and they might review their old kits (like resin Pz.IV Ausf. D ) and / or release early war Pz.III (at least Ausf. F).
In plastic or resin?
I have to agree with Pinky on this one in that they don't support the new campaign books very well with new plastic kits. I'm still actually surprised Warlord never replaced their resin Matilda II with a superior plastic model. That resin kit is pretty bad, but there it is.
I tried that (on the Panzer III), but had a small gap around the idler and drive sprocket. In the end, I just prefer Rubicon's approach to the tracks and running gear, even if there's a loss of detail on the tracks.
Italeri is known for their four piece track sections. Warning, sometimes a little care and skill is needed to make it fit perfectly. In some cases they fit well, but in other cases not. I found its best to remove those guide tabs. Also, sometimes while assembling I have to file away some plastic to get a better fit. Only removing a tiny amount, but if given a choice, I would rather have track pieces that are a tiny bit longer than a tiny bit shorter.
In conclusion, in a few cases those four piece Italeri tracks require some extra skill and care whereas Rubicon's one-piece tracks are easy and ready to go. Everyone knows by now that the only disadvantage is a loss of track detail because of how the molds need to be made. As for that extra track details, I guess some modellers might prefer this on bigger tracks like the Tiger. I wonder if that's the reason why Rubicon is going to release highly detailed resin replacement tracks for their Tiger kit.
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All the BA tank kits I've built do have a slack fit to the track around the sprocket / idler . I usually just bend the track a bit to give it more sag , you might have to trim a little off a track guide tooth though . And while BA's wide wheels look OK on T-34s and Panther/Tigers , Rubicons wheels look much better on the wheel set types with return rollers ( Panzer III , IV and Shermans )
That's a good summary, Ripley. Warlord / Italeri's track design is particularly bad for narrow tracks - I had to use greenstuff to get a smooth join on their M3 Stuart. By contrast, Rubicon's M5A1 tracks are a joy to assemble and look great (despite the missing inner guide teeth).
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Something to note is that not all tracks have lots of little details - like the T51 Rubber Block track for example - so the way Rubicon Models molds their one piece track pieces has some pretty big advantages in this respect.
(http://www.strijdbewijs.nl/tanks/sherman/sher095.jpg)
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True. At least there won't be an issue with track pad details on Rubicon's upcoming early M4A1 Sherman kit
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True. At least there won't be an issue with track pad details on Rubicon's upcoming early M4A1 Sherman kit
That is for sure, but I wonder which of the two new kits will come first. The Panzer III or the M4A1? Both of these projects have been sitting in the "In Development" bucket for sometime now.
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3D drawing for the Panzer III Ausf L finally completed. With this done, we can now start to draw the other variants based on this base vehicle!
Note the extra details we have added to the new Panzer III. This is a brand new drawing, not based on the old Panzer III. Many of the old data were incorrect, particularly the turret.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3L%20180824-01_zps3xvxamj3.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3L%20180824-02_zpsdnxbphaf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3L%20180824-03_zpszk8qipgf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3L%20180824-04_zpsinnjmbh3.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Very promising. Looking forward to these.
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Looking forward to seeing the early versions of the Panzer III like the Ausf E.
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Very nice . I notice in the 2nd picture , it has the hull side escape hatch , hope its a separate piece as this was deleted early in the L production run ;D
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Nice.
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Very nice . I notice in the 2nd picture , it has the hull side escape hatch , hope its a separate piece as this was deleted early in the L production run ;D
It is a separate piece, so don't worry!
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Awesome !
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Did we mention the work pace for the different Panzer III variants will be fast?
With the Panzer III Ausf L as the base vehicle, here is the Ausf H...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3H%20180830-02_zpsmqyxpvms.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3H%20180830-03_zpsciuurt5x.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3H%20180830-04_zpsly6ujunm.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3H%20180830-01_zpsxukujebq.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Nice!
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Very nice indeed :)
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What they said.
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I can't wait for these to be available :)
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Now we’re talking! This is a variant of the Panzer III that I really want.
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Most delicious
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I need at least three kits to start: E (37mm) for Poland, and F (37mm) for France, and a G (50mm) for Russia. I don't have a DAK force yet, but that will entail yet another Pz III need, likely more than one!
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Looks great. G (or F w. 50mm) is what I'm most looking forward to for my DAK, as well as the right (early... -ish) N version for the Tiger units in Tunisia.
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eDrawings for our Panzer III project are almost completed, with the only exception of some specialised variants (hint, hint ;)).
Right now, we have 8 variants from Ausf E to Ausf N. With some minor historical changes on specific variants, we have a total of SIXTEEN possible variations...
YES, 16 possible builds for our new Panzer III! Can you spot the differences?
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Variants%20181003-1_zpscornowzl.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Neat.
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That is impressive!
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Although an eight wheeled version would have been fun, nothing to complain about here.
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Another month had passed, we had now completed all 3D drawings on the Panzer III... awaiting final approval before 3D prototyping.
There is a total of 8 Panzer III variants (Ausf E to Ausf N). Each of the variants might include different guns, up armour, and minor upgrades, including Command Tank version. This had increased the total possible builts to TWENTY (20) variants for our project!
Depending on the final number of sprue and parts layout, not sure how many of these 20 variants will remain on the final release...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Panzerbefehlswagen%20III%20Ausf%20E%20181110-1_zpsp1t4m49l.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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I have plenty of late versions of the Panzer III (in plastic of course) in my 1:56 (28mm) WW2 collection, and I cannot wait to start adding these earlier versions of the Panzer III. :)
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Neat.
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What, no Tauchpanzer. I'll have to build a bridge!
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Fantastic! Barbarossa all the way for me, so this is great news! I'll be buying a platoon of five.
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Our last post before the Christmas holidays... Prototypes of our new Panzer III together with some comparison photos with the old one!
Merry Christmas everyone!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-00_zpsjhwnx87v.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-01_zpsnteswcug.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-02_zpsse5qoedl.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-03_zps22dxk1d4.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-04_zpsdmeqzw0x.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-05_zpscgu7dxuw.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-06_zps3ux7fhxf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-07_zpsiy6kgps4.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-08_zpsetsia6ro.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-09_zpszwxoytkw.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-10_zps3b6bgjfq.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-11_zpsrvrz2ppl.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-12_zpsicsvjhya.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-13_zpsz4im0ty4.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-14_zpsqqxvz0sw.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-15_zpsk5fsculz.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-16_zpsvriccqnj.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-17_zpsffcas0rx.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-18_zpsuqhiloqt.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-19_zpsbmxfiete.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-20_zps3m0isuio.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-21_zpsvg3afq5u.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-22_zps3zkruqt7.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-23_zpshhl0pvd4.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-24_zpsgposaqgf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-25_zpsxfvefk5n.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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WOW ! What an improvement over the original III . The tools and tow cable stand out on the kit , separate pieces to glue on ? Also the Jack is very much improved . It looks the part now not just a " what is that supposed to be " blob on the old III . The hatches on the nose of the new III should have the armored hinges as shown on the old III . CAD slip I hope , no III had hatch details like that in any of my reference books . Not liking the turret and bow machine gun barrels , but I've replaced almost all the barrels on my 20 odd German tanks with plastic barrels from BA infantry sets . Still not too sure on the road wheels , something about them looks funny to me . The stress hole spacing , or maybe the thickness of the rim between the steel and the rubber tire , just something bugs me ....maybe it just needs to be painted ::)
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77
The tools and tow cable stand out on the kit, separate pieces to glue on?
Most of the tools and the tow cable are now separate to ease painting and modelling.
77
The hatches on the nose of the new III should have the armored hinges as shown on the old III. CAD slip I hope, no III had hatch details like that in any of my reference books.
We have double checked the hatches and hinges for all the variants, and we believe they are correct. We had used several blueprint references, including those by Spielberger, Doyle, and Squadron.
77
Still not too sure on the road wheels, something about them looks funny to me. The stress hole spacing, or maybe the thickness of the rim between the steel and the rubber tire, just something bugs me ....maybe it just needs to be painted.
Again, same as the hatches and hinges, we are quite sure the roadwheels are correct.
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Looks good.
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Your right , I'm wrong Rubicon :-[ . The M hull ( 250 with L/60 50mm gun produced ) had internal nose hatch hinges . The M hull was also used for 200 odd L/24 75mm gun versions ( SdKfz 141/2 N ) , the rest of the N vehicles ( about 500 ) built on the J/L hull with armored hinges
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The front hull maintenance hatches are incorrect, but overall the new Pz.III is looking good.
I know you said you double checked, but I'm looking at my various Pz.III books and somethings doesn't seem just right. Maybe its the four holes. Also missing hatch hinges?
(https://www.ozarmour.com.au/fake/p3frontinstall.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-25_zpsxfvefk5n.jpg)
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No , they're right Tracks . As I stated above the M version had internal hinges . After 250 L/60 50mm armed tanks , they built about 200 tanks with the short 75mm . All Panzer III's , weather a J , L or M hull got called a N when armed with the 75mm . ( kind of like the Brit Centaur I being re-engined with the Meteor and then being called a Cromwell III ) Just enough confusion to mess with our minds after too much Xmas cheer :o
(https://i.postimg.cc/YhMT9ScN/Pzr-III-M.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YhMT9ScN)
See no visible armored hinges . Took me a while to find a good picture , most pictures I can find have a row of track links across the nose hiding the hinges or lack of them . Here's the complete photo
(https://i.postimg.cc/D8GQtrpB/560640b3b945c43ffb378b1052e370f5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/D8GQtrpB)
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What is weird, is that I can't find detailed information (illustrations and photos) of the front hull maintenance hatches, and I got several good books on the Panzer III including "The Spielberger German Armor & Military Vehicles Volume 3 - Panzer III and its Variants".
What I can gather from the text information, photos, illustrations, and drawings in these books that I have, it does look like there were hatches you pictured above, but in the production. Most being the split hatch and the one piece hatch with visible hinges. But I can't find are photos or other information of hatches with four holes/dimples as shown in the example below. I will keep searching.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Prototypes%20181130-14_zpsqqxvz0sw.jpg)
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@Tracks - You can try Panzer Tracts 3-3 for references. Both Ausf M and N had this maintenance hatches. HTH.
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I think maybe the 3D image makes the holes look much deeper than they really are . It was a round flush bolt with a slot in it , you put in a " key " and turned . Think sheet metal BBQ covers or that type of equipt . Ever assemble IKEA furniture ? Like those bolts ::)
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"The Spielberger German Armor & Military Vehicles Volume 3 - Panzer III and its Variants".
There's a volume 3?
I need to go shopping.
Oh, wait. It's just the third volume on the series.
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WOW ! What an improvement over the original III . The tools and tow cable stand out on the kit , separate pieces to glue on ? Also the Jack is very much improved . It looks the part now not just a " what is that supposed to be " blob on the old III . The hatches on the nose of the new III should have the armored hinges as shown on the old III . CAD slip I hope , no III had hatch details like that in any of my reference books . Not liking the turret and bow machine gun barrels , but I've replaced almost all the barrels on my 20 odd German tanks with plastic barrels from BA infantry sets . Still not too sure on the road wheels , something about them looks funny to me . The stress hole spacing , or maybe the thickness of the rim between the steel and the rubber tire , just something bugs me ....maybe it just needs to be painted ::)
It's certainly a vastly better looking kit.
I think the wheels are correct, Ripley - the size and spacing of the holes etc looks correct. The only feature that might be 'off' is the rims, which seem thicker than the real thing. But that's quite useful from modelling perspective, as it makes the wheels easier to paint!
I didn't know about this version of the maintenance hatches. You live and learn...
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This version of the hatches was limited (I believe) to the "M" model. And in looking for photos to back that up, I have found drawings and photos of Flamm Pz IIIs with those hatches. I have not yet found one of a regular tank. So at the very least, those are the correct hatches for the Flamm Pz III.
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I wonder if a lot of the M gun tanks were re armed with the flame gun making it a Fl ? No matter what hull version J, L or M once it got re armed with the short 75mm it became a N . I think the Germans did the same thing with one of their Pzr II versions , built as gun tank , removed from service , re armed , became some else . There's a lot of that in the write ups ion\ Encyclopedia of German Tanks book which is at home , I'm here at work , trying to look busy .... ::)
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We know you guys will be all over the prototypes ;)
There were two front maintenance hatch variants on the Ausf M (5cm KwK L/60) and Ausf N (7.5cm KwK L/24), the one we showed is one of them.
No worries, the hatches are swappable, so that you can plug in any pair of hatches to your liking!
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Well done Rubicon. I don't know if the discussion here triggered this response but a very good solution.
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Well done Rubicon. I don't know if the discussion here triggered this response but a very good solution.
That was part of the design as we need the upper hull(s) to accommodate all the possible variants we wanted for the Panzer III. We had already sent the files to mould making for sprue layout... awaiting reply.
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No worries, the hatches are swappable, so that you can plug in any pair of hatches to your liking!
As always Rubicon Models, your team is good at offering the modeller/gamer choices.
That being said, it seems that the Panzer III Ausf N (75mm/L24) used more than one type of front hull maintenance hatch. The most common of these seem to have been the flat with hinges.
The Panzer III Ausf N shown below was photographed in Italy, 1944.
(https://www.worldwarphotos.info/wp-content/gallery/germany/tanks/panzer3n/Panzer_III_Ausf_N_Italy_1944.jpg)
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As well as different style front hatches , the N could have the hull side escape doors ( if built on J hull ) or none , the regular under hull over hang or exposed wadding exhaust , and a turret with side vision ports , or again none . It was the gun that made it a N . Nice to see we really going to have all the options when this kit comes out .
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Excellent.
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I am desperate for this.
I'm one of the seemingly few who loved the original.
And now I'm going to be gushing over this one!
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We didn't love the original because , as a scale model , it had things wrong with it that were not easy to fix , and it looked "off" next to other companies Panzer IIIs . As a one off model to display on my shelf I had no problem with it , to use it with other Panzer IIIs ( Warlord plastic / resin for example )in a game , it just stood out like a sore thumb . Here's a picture of a Sherman kit I bought back in the late 60s , it was a fun build , but in no way did it depict any real version of the Sherman . With all the better detailed kits available , why would I buy this today ?
(https://i.postimg.cc/njBz4VmJ/1960s-Renwal-who-knows-what-Sherman.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/njBz4VmJ)
As a 1st release kit , Rubicon did pretty good with the Panzer III , but they realized they had to improve their kits to capture a larger share of the market . With the release of their latest kits , the 88 , the T-26 , the 222 series armored cars , and the forth coming re tooled Panzer III I think they are top of the heap in plastic 1/56 kits , and IMO they also beat out a lot of the 1/56 resin guys as well .
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We didn't love the original because , as a scale model , it had things wrong with it that were not easy to fix , and it looked "off" next to other companies Panzer IIIs .
Agreed - it's actually a pretty bad model. Aside from the errors, the detail is poor. As I understand it, the original Rubicon Panzer III pre-dates their in-house design capability. They were stuck with something sub-standard (it's noticably inferior to Rubicon's first kit, the Panzer IV, which still looks pretty good, IMO). Having invested that much, they had to release it to recoup the costs.
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No more Monday morning blues as we unboxed our first Panzer III testshot from the factory!
A total of SIX plastic sprues for our new Panzer III project, yielding EIGHT variants, Ausf E to Ausf N. Each variant might include different guns, up armour, and upgrades, including command (Panzerbefehlswagen) and flamethrower (Flammpanzer) versions. The total possible built counts now stand at TWENTY-ONE !!
Since this is our first testshot, there are still lots of details missing, but those that were done are just amazing... can't wait for the second testshot.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-01_zpsjxscfn6n.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-02_zpstimpfxsc.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-03_zpslho4bjou.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-04_zps5jd44yhg.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-05_zpsdzvst4vw.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-06_zps7oj7u0nw.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-07_zps2dx5dfar.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-08_zpsycegas9q.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-09_zpsiite2wqg.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-10_zpsmsvztd4u.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-11_zpsdh5tmgnj.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-12_zpsmyr6btyl.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-13_zps8iecuqmj.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-14_zpsgu5sipuk.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Fantastic to see this project nearing completion. I think this is the one I've really been looking forward to. I can see some very interesting components on those sprues, including quite a lot of stowage. Features like the smoke dischargers also seem greatly improved since earlier kits.
I assume it's one of the missing details you're referring to, but the trackguards are missing the dreaded non-slip pattern...
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I am really looking forward to this. Early panzers are fun.
Sven
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I actually did love the original. So :P
But this is think I'll love more and my Romanians will appreciate having at least 3...to go with the 3 panzer IV I hope to get in June.
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Wow. That is really nice. It's nice to see that the hull is Lego comparable too :D
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That looks great.
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Loving this project! So looking forward to getting some proper Early War Pz IIIs on the table!
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This can almost be considered a Rubicon Models deluxe plastic model kit!
Fantastic! Well worth the wait.
I predict that this will be a popular kit for many gamers and some modellers. With so much going on with this kit, hopefully this kit will please many people. I really like the fact that this kit gives you a wide range of choices including early, mid, and late war versions.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20TS1%20190429-01_zpsjxscfn6n.jpg)
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Oh, that looks just fantastic. Very much looking forward to this one. Can I hope the 'future version' hull-top will allow early Pz III StuG?
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When will this kit be released?
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A very good looking kit.....but with so many variants I feel it should have been made into 2 New kits ,one for the early III`s and one for the J-M. One can't help thinking that apart from having vast amount of spare bits, You will end up with lots a waste plastic that will end up in the bin.
RM are too generous too please everyone, just think about the poor soul who has to draught the model instructions....
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It is being made into two kits though?
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Right now, we are looking at 3 product codes:
Early War - Ausf E, Ausf F (3 variants), and Ausf G (3 variants) - total 7
Mid-War - Ausf H (2 variants), Ausf J (2 variants), Ausf L (3 variants), Ausf M, Flammpanzer Ausf M, and Ausf N (2 variants) - total 11
Command & Communication - Ausf E, Ausf H, and Ausf J/L - total 3
Total possible variants = 21
That might still change depending on final production costs and other factors.
;)
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After looking at the spruce layout for about the one hundredth time , I noticed that the rear idler wheel for the early Panzer III E thru G track set , has only seven raised 'spokes' instead of the correct eight. :-[
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After looking at the spruce layout for about the one hundredth time , I noticed that the rear idler wheel for the early Panzer III E thru G track set , has only seven raised 'spokes' instead of the correct eight. :-[
I never really looked - was to excited I guess - but after reading H0ffmn's comment, I took a look at the picture of Sprue A. Yes, one track set has eight spokes and one has seven spokes! I did a quick check, and there seems to be eight spokes for both types of idler wheel.
Did Rubicon Models drop the spoke on this one? Seems like an obvious detail to overlook.
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Yup its a oopsie
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZWYWG9Fv/Pzr-IIIE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZWYWG9Fv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/K3rYVF15/Oops.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K3rYVF15)
Rubicon isn't the 1st model company to screw up and they won't be the last . Hopefully there is still time to fix this without costing the company a lot of $ and down time . Monogram messed up the road wheel spokes on their 1/32 Shermans and Lee/Grants back in the 70s ( 6 instead of 5 ), as well as the track . Unlike today , companies back then didn't fix their mistakes , we just had to make do . In fact the 2015 Revell version of those kits still has the wrong parts !
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@H0ffmn, thank you very much for pointing out the inexcusable mistake on the idler wheel. We had spotted the error during our final QC process and thought the file was updated before mould making. Guess we are not through enough to let this slip through... We are now looking into a solution as we speak. :(
Thank you again, everyone!!
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Rubicon, you're welcome. I hope this does not delay the release by too much
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With good reason, Rubicon Models has commented in the past about concerns with sharing information about a new project they are working on. Yes, sharing project information can be bad thing, but it can also be a bad thing, and this is one of those instances that it was a very good thing.
That being said, it looks like the mold has already been made, so there is no easy fix. Not like the 75mm gun barrel issue with the Panzer IV - were they were able to just add the part to the mold.
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Hopefully they fix it . Can't see much sense in buying Panzer III E - N kit when you can't make a correct model of an E , F or G .
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I also hope they can fix this issue because the main reason I will be getting these kits are for the early Panzer IIIs (Ausf.E/F/G). Would be vary nice to have the correct idler wheel than the incorrect one. I'm very curious how they are going to fix the mold.
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I also hope they can fix this issue because the main reason I will be getting these kits are for the early Panzer IIIs (Ausf.E/F/G). Would be vary nice to have the correct idler wheel than the incorrect one. I'm very curious how they are going to fix the mold.
Photo shop
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I also hope they can fix this issue because the main reason I will be getting these kits are for the early Panzer IIIs (Ausf.E/F/G). Would be vary nice to have the correct idler wheel than the incorrect one. I'm very curious how they are going to fix the mold.
Photo shop
Boom tish!.....
He will be here all week....
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Photo shop
Photo Shop? I know this software package well, and it can't fix the mold, but...
I don't get it... the joke that is. Please explain.
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I would say he's being sarcastic , as in they'll change the box art and plans but leave the wrong part on the sprue . Not something I could see Rubicon doing , remember , they retooled the Panzer III and IV because of imperfections in the kits , so why would they put out sub standard product in this case ? To fix it , they're going to have to recut the master , that's take time and money . If the wheel pieces were separate parts like in 1/35 kits , then they could just cast up a mini sprue of 4 idler wheels to throw in the box , but as the wheels and tracks are all one piece its more complicated .
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Maybe Rubicon could do this as a quick fix- release the kit as is, and add to the sprues the two corrected rear idler wheels , or sell separate add on kits of the corrected rear idle wheels,either in resin or plastic.It would be a pain to cut the molded idler wheel off the plastic track run, but this way the corrected idler wheel could be modeled.
Or , maybe a better and easier alternative, for us, maybe not for Rubicon , would be to add to the kit ,or release as a add on, the corrected idler wheel with a slide molded section of track molded in one piece onto the replacement idler wheel.That way all that would be needed is to cut a rear section of the track, and glue the replacement track/idler wheel in its place. This way, Rubicon could add the detail to the rear section of track, which they usually are only able to add to the front section of track.
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While I think a resin idler with track and directions for installation ( cut here , etc ) would work for the model builder types who buy Rubicon kits , I think some would be put off by the need to "fix" the kit . Not all of the gamers I know are comfortable putting together a 6 piece resin kit never mind a 50 / 100 piece plastic /resin craftsman type kit . IMO Rubicon should cut a new master of the track with roadwheels , idler front and rear idler pieces , add it to the kit and reprint the instructions to reflect the changes
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Some gamers who 'would be put off by the need to fix the kit', probably wouldn't care if they had seven or eight spokes on their idle wheels. After all , it only took 6 months after the pictures of the sprues being posted, and a bunch of people viewing them, that it was pointed out that the idler is incorrect .
Hopefully, and I'm sure that Rubicon will, make an acceptable fix
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I am sure Rubicon will fix the issue as well. And they will do so without resorting to measures that would make them look less than professional to both the gaming and modeling worlds. Somebody, somewhere is going to eat the cost of remaking the mold, and the final kit, while delayed, will include the proper parts.
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Had Rubicon Models made the track sets for the Panzer III in the same method they did for the Panzer IV, it would be an easy fix because the idler wheel is two separate parts. Unless the road wheels are different, I wonder why they just didn't do the same thing that they did with the Panzer IV. That is, the drive wheel and idler wheel are separate bits.
However, I do like that they reversed the road wheels on the Panzer III (as opposed to the Panzer IV). That is, the road wheels in the inside have the support frame (connecting bars) instead of them being on the outside. On the Panzer IV, its almost a must to have to remove these, but if they where in the inside, I can see the temptation to leave them on since they would be harder to see.
But getting back to the issue at had. What to do with that incorrect idler wheel already affixed to the track set. From what I know about how the molds are made, there is no way to fix it on the original mold. They would need to make a new mold, or just a new mold for that specific track set, and add it as a replacement part to the kit with an included note to the modeller.
Obviously I can't speak for everyone. I am more of a gamer than a die-hard rivet counter, so I can live with the incorrect idler wheel (the seven spokes) that you have to use when assembling the early Panzer IIIs. Sadly, there will be some that will not buy this kit because of the mistake, and that would be bad for Rubicon Models.
However, if you were to assemble one of the early Panzer IIIs that were repaired or refurbished later, you can get away with using the track set with the newer idler wheel. Panzer III Es, Fs, and Gs are also know to have the new pattern drive and idler wheels, but these tanks were rebuilt and/or refurbished either in the field or at a factory. Also, it happened only after the introduction of the new designed idler and drive. However, if you wanted a true representation of an early version of an E, F, or G, you cannot use the new design drive and idler.
Some gamers who 'would be put off by the need to fix the kit', probably wouldn't care if they had seven or eight spokes on their idle wheels. After all , it only took 6 months after the pictures of the sprues being posted, and a bunch of people viewing them, that it was pointed out that the idler is incorrect .
@Hoffmn - you make a good point, but speaking for myself (and possibly others), even though I gave the sprue pictures a good look, I wasn't really looking for mistakes. Especially for something that I would be so obvious. I think in this case, Rubicon Models' reputation kept most of us from really looking for any obvious mistakes.
This is the picture that slipped past us...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Panzerbefehlswagen%20III%20Ausf%20E%20181110-1_zpsp1t4m49l.jpg)
Had we noticed the incorrect idler wheel here on the digital form before mold making, we could have caught it early.
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To get into the holiday spirit, Rubicon Models is going to present a work-in-progress imagery every day until Christmas Eve! Here is our first one...
The Panzer III Ausf E was the first version of the mass-produced Panzer III tanks, it had 30mm armour all-round, other than the rear of the vehicle, which increased the weight to 20t. Suspension redesigned, switching from leaf-springs to torsion-bars, now using six larger roadwheels per side. Had a 300PS HL120 engine. A total of 96 was produced in 1939.
The Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf E was the second command tank based on the Panzer III. Based on the standard Panzer III Ausf E, the main gun was replaced by a dummy gun, the hull machine gun removed, the turret bolted in place and the addition of an extra long-range radio set. It could be recognised by the distinctive frame antenna on the rear deck. A total of 45 was produced between 1939 and 1940.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Variants%20191207-01_zpsyuka3om0.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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In the picture of the Panzer III Ausf E and the Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf E above, we still see the wrong idler wheel, but the models still look very good. Looking forward to seeing the Panzer III released from Rubicon Models. Mostly for the early version of the Panzer III, but because of the error in the idler wheel, I have a feeling the released date is pushed back significantly.
I wonder if Rubicon Models will just leave the current mold as is, but make a new mold that has just the corrected idler wheel. This can be added to the kit with a note for the correction. I'm really hoping its not going to be a resin fix.
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The Panzer III Ausf F was very similar to the Ausf E and Ausf G. The factory painted dark grey (dunkelgrau RAL 46) and dark brown (dunkelbraun RAL 45) camouflage pattern but was discontinued by end of July 1940. They were just painted dunkelgrau after that date. Most were used in the invasion of Holland, Belgium and France in May 1940. These tanks were upgraded during their combat life with different guns, turrets and more armour.
Later Panzer III Ausf F was fitted with 5cm KwK 38 L/42 guns. An armoured vent was fitted to the roof of the turret and rear engine deck to enable it to cope with the dust and heat of the North African desert. It was painted in dark yellow (dunkelgelb). They were also used on the Eastern Front. A total of 450 were built between 1939 and 1941.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Variants%20191207-02_zpsxobktcsk.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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The Panzer III Ausf G was produced between March 1940 and early 1941, a total of 594 was produced. It was very similar to the Ausf E and Ausf F with minor differences in specifications. It was fitted with the 285hp HL120 TRM petrol/gasoline engine which had a different magneto and modified cooling system than the HL120 TR 250hp engine fitted on the Ausf E. The angled front glacis and lower hull plates were 25mm thick. The hull rear was 30mm thick on the Ausf G.
The first Ausf G tanks were armed with 3.7cm KwK L/46.5 tank gun. Some took part in the invasion of the Netherland, Belgium and France in May 1940. After experiences during the battle of France, later versions were armed with the 5cm KwK 38 L/42 gun. They were used on the Eastern Front and in North Africa. These tanks were upgraded during their combat life with different guns, turrets and more armour. Rear turret stowage boxes were sometimes fitted later.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Variants%20191207-03_zpsrz0qr6sa.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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YMMV but in the UK, the Works has the Haynes' manual on offer: https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/military-books/haynes-panzer-iii-workshop-manual/9780857338273 (https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/military-books/haynes-panzer-iii-workshop-manual/9780857338273)
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The Panzer III Ausf H was the first version of the tank to be designed with a turret fitted with the 5cm KwK 38 L/42 tank gun and with 60mm of frontal armour, rather than having these specifications added later in an upgrade program. They started to be delivered in late 1940 and early 1941, a total of 286 was produced. The 5cm Kampfwagenkanone L/42 tank gun was semi-automatic: the breech block remained open after firing to enable the next round to be loaded quicker. It's standard armour piercing AP shell could penetrate or 55mm of armour laid at an angle of 30 degrees at a range of 100m, 46mm at 500m and 36mm at a range of 1km. The turret only had one coaxial 7.92mm MG34 machine gun, another MG34 was mounted in the hull.
The Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf H was the third version of command tank based on the Panzer III and was based on the standard Panzer III Ausf H. Like the earlier Ausf D1 and Ausf E, the Ausf H featured a dummy main gun, had its turret bolted in place and had a distinctive frame antenna on the rear deck. In early production, the dummy gun resembled the 3.7cm gun of the early Panzer III, but later in the run, a mock 5cm gun was used instead. A total of 175 units were produced between 1940 and 1941.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Variants%20191207-04_zpsh1wofeiy.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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The Panzer III Ausf J was very similar to the Panzer III Ausf G. In the spring of 1941, additional armour plate was added internally to the front of the turret increasing it to a maximum of 57mm in places. The chassis was lengthened to create better engine compartment ventilation and tow eyes. The design of the armoured front brake vents was changed. The turret was fitted with an armoured extractor fan on the roof.
The 5cm KampfwagonKanone (KwK – tank gun) had a length of 2,100mm (L/42) from the muzzle to the back of the breech. It had a rate of fire of up to 20 rounds per minute. This was achieved by having a semi-automatic breech which opened before the end of the recoil, ejected the spent casing and allowed for the quick loading of the next shell. From December 1941 the 5cm KwK L/60 tank gun started to be fitted instead of the 5cm KwK L/42 gun, as stocks arrived in factories. Tanks sent to North Africa had armoured vents fitted on the rear engine deck. In April 1941 stowage bins started to be fitted to the rear of the turret. A total of 1,521 were produced between 1941 and 1942.
Using the appearance of spaced armour on Panzer III tanks is not a reliable way of identifying the different Ausf version. Late production Ausf J tanks had 20mm spaced armour fitted to the front of the turret and the hull. Some older tanks had it back fitted later.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Variants%20191207-05_zpsjffcjykr.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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The Panzer III Ausf L was basically re-designated Ausf J equipped with the long 5cm gun, 20mm stand-off armour plates on hull and turret front. A total of 1,470 were produced between 1941 and 1942.
The Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf J/L (Panzerbefehlswagen mit 5cm KwK L/42) was the first in the series of command tanks based on the Panzer III to retain the tank’s main gun. The lack of anything more potent than a machine gun had been a major drawback in the earlier models. A total of 81 were produced between 1941 and 1942. The Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf J/L was used to equip the newly formed SS Panzer Divisions, and to replace the very large number of tanks destroyed on the Eastern Front. The Ausf J was also used by Sturmpanzer and assault gun detachments.
The Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf K (Panzerbefehlswagen mit 5cm KwK39 L/60) was the last in the series of command tanks based on the Panzer III, and the only one to be custom-built with its 5cm main gun intact. The Panzerbefehlswagen Ausf K was virtually identical to the standard Panzer III Ausf M, but with some of the ammunition removed to make way for the new radios. As with all of the command tanks extra vision ports were cut into the side of the superstructure. The Ausf K saw the replacement of the distinctive frame antenna with a more standard star antenna, removing the most obvious visual difference between the Panzerbefehlswagen and the standard Panzer III. Having said that the Panzerbefehlswagen Ausf K remained in front line service after the Panzer III itself had been withdrawn, rather reducing the difficulty of identifying it! A total of 50 were produced between 1942 and 1943.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Variants%20191207-06_zpsorqjak01.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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The Panzer III Ausf M was Ausf L with minor modifications, such as deep-wading exhaust and Schürzen side-armour panels. A total of 517 was produced between 1942 and 1943.
The specific model chosen for conversion into the Flammpanzer was the Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf M. This model had the additional "Vorpanzer" armour and was usually armed with 5cm KwK 39 gun. One-hundred of Ausf M were converted in 1943. During the production phase, the tanks were simply designated as "Flammpanzerwagen (SdKfz 141)". They were later designated as "PzKpfw III (fl) (SdKfz 141/3)". It is also sometimes known as the Flammpanzer III Ausf M or, simply, Flammpanzer III.
The flamethrower was the 14mm Flammenwerfer (14mm nozzle). It was mounted in the turret of the Panzer III, replacing the standard 5cm gun. In an effort to disguise the tank's role and to protect the stubby flame gun, a false barrel was designed, which was 1.5 meters long with a diameter of 120mm. It could spray a stream of liquid, unlit, inert oil to a maximum range of 50 meters, increasing to 60 when ignited. The flame gun was fed by 1,020 liters of fuel held in the vehicle’s hull in two 510-liter tanks on either side of the drive shaft. As a gunner and loader were unnecessary in a flame tank, the Flammpanzer only had a crew of three as the commander now assumed the role of flame gun operator. The other two crewmen were typical. A bow-gunner/radio operator at the front right and driver at the front left.
The Flammpanzer III saw action in both the Russian and Italian campaigns starting in 1943. Previously, Flammpanzers were attached to autonomous battalions which were in turn attached to higher headquarters for combat assignments. This changed in 1943, with the arrival of this new Panzer III(fl). Platoons of these vehicles were incorporated into standard Panzer-Abteilung Stabskompanie. These were officially known as Panzer-Flamm-Zug.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Variants%20191207-07_zpsmwlhv3ju.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Photobucket has taken the pictures away....
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Photobucket has taken the pictures away....
Photobucket sometimes do that, we have lots of issues with them. Unfortunately, too many photos and links using them, so cannot switch to another provider without redoing all the links across the internet! :'(
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Last of the Panzer III variants...
The Panzer III Ausf N was an infantry support tank, armed with a short-barrelled 7.5cm KwK 37 L/24 gun. A total of 614 were produced or re-equipped from 1942 and 1943. The Ausf N was recognisable by its short-barrelled gun and the lack of spaced armour on the mantlet. Many of the later Ausf N was fitted with a new cupola with thicker armour and a single hatch in place of the earlier split-hatch design. Ausf N was also given side skirts for greater protection from March 1943.
In the field, the Ausf N was used to provide close support for the Tigers (each heavy tank company had 10 Ausf Ns to nine Tigers), as the smaller vehicle was more agile at close quarters, whereas the Tiger was rather slow and vulnerable. The Ausf N was also used in the panzer regiments of the panzer divisions. In mid-1943, during the Kursk Offensive, German panzer units were equipped with 155 Panzer III Ausf N.
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panzer%20III/Pz3%20Variants%20191207-08_zpsgpbpwn3f.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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*** Our image host Photobucket is still stuck in the void - will update you with images once they are back online!
Our Panzer III project is almost at the end... still some minor issues that needed to be resolved, plus the documentation work for the instruction manuals and decal sheets. There will be THREE item codes as follow:
Early War - Ausf E, Ausf F (3 variants), and Ausf G (3 variants) - Total 7.
Mid-War - Ausf H (2 variants), Ausf J (2 variants), Ausf L (3 variants), Ausf M, Flammpanzer Ausf M, and Ausf N (2 variants) - Total 11.
Command & Communications - Ausf E, Ausf H, and Ausf J/L - Total 3.
Enjoy!
;)
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Seems like we had missed one of the Panzer III Ausf J variants from our post yesterday. Thanks to Andy Oertig on Facebook, we now have 22 variants from our upcoming Panzer III kits.
The missing variant is an Ausf J with the 5cm Kwk L/60 gun. They were fielded by the 3rd, 16th, 29th & 60th Motorized Infantry Divisions as well as the 5th SS "Wiking Division".
;)
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Can't you add them as attachments
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Can't you add them as attachments
In a way, we can. But we use Photobucket (PB) so that we can using the same image across the internet for "standardisation" and control purposes.
PB is still down after an unexpected hardware breakdown... 4 days now! We are not impressed but we are much better off for people who actually use PB for business and online store purposes!
>:(
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I think the unreliability and astronomical cost and how they don't like people viewing images is why most people jumped ship from them.
I get the images from Facebook as UselessBucket doesn't let you view them any bigger than a postage stamps with 1/4 of the image as their logo.
Horrible.
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These are the missing images that we had posted last year just before Christmas showing all the possible "documented" variants you can build from our new Panzer III kits.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/0c/6c/efAk55Pl_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/0a/06/nyqodP51_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1c/b7/tGDaDjKM_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/e0/bd/ipTOvBSB_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/46/1a/OjBAUrNp_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/6c/5f/gNJhZf5o_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8c/72/t014Fz3K_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/da/13/U7YagTON_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/52/ec/SCjGOe2F_t.jpg)
After posting on Facebook, someone had pointed out we are missing a very important variant for the Ausf J that was equipped with a 5cm KwK L/60 gun. We now have a total of 22 variants from the 3 kits...
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/b1/38/0anseV7J_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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With so many early and mid-war Panzer IIIs, it is hard not to include some early war Panzer crew!
The initial release will be in pewter but we are looking into doing them in plastic when we have the spare time to pick up the task later in the year.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/57/99/iUuqsChC_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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WOW ! that's going to be an amazing trio of kits . Plus the early war crew will be very handy . I think the Panzer Berets need a bit of tweaking though , mind you I do realize this is just a CAD test shot ...
(https://i.postimg.cc/7Jg0nfwc/image039.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7Jg0nfwc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/QHJcB96K/tankers.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QHJcB96K)
The real thing was rather larger and floppy , a little like the Polish Para beret .
I'm also hoping you'll make a figure set that can be used in the open turret side hatches ( Pzr III & IV ), maybe with a couple of head options , ( beret , side cap , late war peak cap ) .
(https://i.postimg.cc/bDdjntHy/maxresdefault.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDdjntHy)
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Those Panzerkampfwagen IIIs look magnificent!
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The problem with the idler wheel back in late November last year was fixed, but we did not post the update due to issues with Photobucket.
No more guessing on what we are going to do. We basically replaced the part with a new section on the mould.
There are some minor delays but the release schedule should not be impacted big time. Here it is...
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/9c/b6/NNQE8Uug_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Looks good. I can't wait for it to hit the shelves
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Looks perfect . Job well done on rectifying the error .
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Well done.
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Looks really good.
Great job RM.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/9c/b6/NNQE8Uug_t.jpg)
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It had been two months without any updates due to the Chinese New Year holiday and then the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown...
Our factory had resumed work early this week (Mar 10) but we are still waiting for workers to come back (if they ever come back) from their hometowns. In the meantime here are some updates and marketing...
There are FIVE gun barrels for the Panzer III... we have double-checked and triple-checked to make sure the barrels are all there. We do learn from past experiences, lol.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/a0/ab/GAhyk05P_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Excellent news! Glad to hear your factory is coming back online. And glad to hear there are 5 barrels for the Pz III kit!
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I hope everyone makes it back. Be safe.
Good to see an update. I look forward to more.
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The Panzer III Project - one of the most anticipated projects that we have done after the Panzer IV releases!
Three years in the making, the Panzer III project is almost close to completion...
We are still putting some final touches to the moulds before we can sign them off for commercial production.
We will be there soon, just a little bit longer!
We are enclosing some basic Panzer III production information so that you can plan ahead on what variants you want to build with the new Panzer III tank.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/0b/38/Vge6fFqQ_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/00/af/6ZJ6OXNm_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8f/54/8JsJrSty_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/da/ff/mi8ukIYJ_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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AWESOME !
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That is AWESOME!! I've been as anxious for this project to be ready for release, as I have for your M4A1 project. I can't wait for them to be released
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Nice.
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Excellent stuff. Now if we could only go back and do a Panzer IV Ausf C to accompany the Panzer 111 Ausf E. Greedy I know.
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Looking good!
Might not be as big of a seller as their Panzer IV kits, but I'm pretty certain their Panzer III kits will be a good seller them.
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To help to keep your sanity from staying home most of the time, we will be posting more frequently to keep you entertained.
For our first post, this is a painted Panzer III Ausf N by Kent Lee, one of our studio staff. We'd also included some WIP tips towards the end of the album as well. There are quite a few close-up views, please look at them closely to appreciate the intricate details on this new upcoming kit.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/bc/2e/4FPtdvtU_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/33/d9/wuiTneGg_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/4f/6c/rAxs35S9_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/a7/4e/q5OcIhjD_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8c/35/SfWYobFO_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/30/25/HPmp7zCA_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/84/94/amlDHn7q_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f8/49/Ci1QlyF0_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/a9/f7/Nxxnu97x_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/7d/c9/ybYliJjz_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/fa/5e/LCAYProd_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Very nice work.
I like the stowage rack.
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Very nice
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The time had come... our decal sheet design for the 3 Panzer III plastic kits.
This sheet is DOUBLE the size of our normal sheet with the following:
1) Most common tactical number designs, 4 in total.
2) Most common 3-number tactical number, for sides and aft.
3) Most common Balkenkreuz used during the war, 6 in total.
4) All Wehrmacht Panzer Division insignia, from 1 to 27, included.
5) Some regimental insignia included.
6) Some North African campaign symbols included.
Please comment as we will send the decal to print soon!
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1e/d5/vI9aMPbm_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Wow! That is quite an extensive decal sheet! I have one suggestion, could you make the 21st Panzer division insignia in white instead of yellow? White seems to be more common, and it would be easier to see against a desert yellow or gray color.
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could you make the 21st Panzer division insignia in white instead of yellow? White seems to be more common, and it would be easier to see against a desert yellow or gray color.
Will check on colour before making any changes... Yellow seems to be the "official" colour designation, but it is hard to distinguish between white (soiled) and yellow in B&W photos.
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Thanks
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Cool.
The outline numbers will be useful for a Schützenpanzer Puma I have in my build queue.
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Wow , that's an awesome decal sheet . I really like the black and red numbers with the white edging . A separate set of those in a couple of sizes would be handy for various German kits . And that's a lot of Panzer Division signs , although I don't know how you can cover them all as "most " were seen in both yellow and white depending on the tine period , not to mention they changed design a couple of times for those units on the Eastern front ,and later in the war , those in the West . Since your separate Panzer Division decal sheets have mostly yellow division decals , maybe print this sheet in white
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Very nice decal sheet. There is a lot there for any almost everyone. :)
Someone just might say "There are too many choices... I can't decide!" :o
It's almost like buying the decal sheet and getting a Panzer III as a bonus. :D
Okay, if the latter were true, the cost for the special decals would be lower. Disregard that. ::)
Instead, its more like buying a model kit and getting a "There are too many choices" as a bonus. 8)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1e/d5/vI9aMPbm_t.jpg)
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After our studio meeting, we have decided to remove all the numbers off the decal sheet and reduce the size to 1.5x and not 2x as originally planned.
Comments?
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/99/51/NLH0saoD_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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I would like to see numbers for the 3rd company but other than that it’s still a great sheet.
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The revised sheet , as shown ,gives you number sets for 18 tanks including command types ( ROII ) , which is IMO good enough for your average gamer / builder /. Those who would want to go beyond an out of the box build and make a specific tank , should probably have decals and bits left over from previous kits . Or with a little bit of cutting , mix and match to get the vehicle number you want . I must confess 95 % of most decal sheets I get are of no use to me as my vehicles are only marked for a couple of Panzer & SS Divisions . But Rubicon do have the single unit and number decal sheets available so I was able to find or "make " the numbers I needed . Hopefully some of these never decal sets ( Panzer III , M4A1 Sherman ) will also be sold separately
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I completely agree with what ripley said above. As it stands, with a bit of careful cutting here and there, a gamer/modeller can re-arrange the 1s, 2s, 3s, and 4s already on the sheet into something different. However, it might be a nice addition to have just two 5s. 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s or at least 2x5s and 2x6s that perfectly match the three different number sets currently on the new sheet. However, that would require a slight increase in size of the sheet, so there is no real good way to do this. But just tossing that out there just in case.
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Another crazy thing we did... the mid-war Panzer III has a TWENTY-EIGHT-page assembly instruction booklet, yes 28 pages for 11 possible variants in all!!
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/b3/84/AFynwzvg_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/5c/82/mPFjeCES_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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WOWZERS!!!
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Epic.