German PzIII J
Dated: September 13, 2006.
After the G version, I decided to build and paint the newer PzKfw III J with the storage box in the rear of the turret and the longer 50 mm gun. These differences are easy to spot, but Hat also changed the wheels to this later version instead of keeping the older model and included a second spare wheel.
It's known that many older versions receive storage boxes and gun upgrades to the longer L/60 gun, so Hat could have just made a small change or include a couple extra parts, but thankfully they decided to made something different.
The first set shows the new box art and assembly instruction and a few steps needed to finish this kit, apart from the Hat logo to fill an empty place.
This time, I decided to use a spray to give a base coat before painting the kit with the typical DAK desert yellow and all the parts receive both coats.
The first picture show the contents of the box, including the parts needed for two complete tanks and now molded in yellow plastic, and the small 2 mm width cardboard strips to made "double wheels".
Next picture shows the wheels with the cardboard glued with instant glue around to made a second inner wheel already in place.
The third picture show the semi-assembled kit, with the track/wheels set and the spare wheels still apart, because this is when the details should be painted.
Is much easier to paint small details, put some powder or improve the kit itself before the final assembly than after, before the hull become partially hidden by the wheels and tracks.
The second set shows a regimental command DAK PzKfw III J with a couple soldiers inside a ruined building. To increase inner room, some regimental HQ tanks don't have the hull MG installed and the command version didn't even keep the gun to allow more communications equipment's inside and relief the gunner and loader.
Decals are remains from old kits and include the German cross, the DAK symbol and either a company number or a regimental HQ sign. A very thin black strip from a old decal sheet was placed where the periscopes should be around the commander cupola.
The last picture shows together the PzKfw III J and the older G version just to allow viewers to compare both tanks and check the differences I mentioned before.
Cheers
Nuno M. Cabeçadas
Portugal
Many thanks to Mr. Nuno M. Cabeçadas.