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DML 6631 Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E France 1940
1/35 injection plastic kit with decals and photo etch
The Panzer III Ausf E was the first variant of the Panzer III to be produced in meaningful numbers with 96 tanks assembled from late 1938 through to October 1939 with the intention of equipping the new Panzer Divisions. Equally important was that the Ausf E was the version which defined this Panzer such as the six road wheels with torsion bar suspension designed by Porsche, and a Maybach HL120TR engine. Previous production versions had leaf spring suspensions, were produced in limited pilot runs and were used to assess and improve the tank・s design. The Ausf E had the small calibre 37mm KwK L/46.5 tank gun and the narrow 38cm tracks. It could be distinguished from the later Ausf F by the absence of cast air intakes on the front hull, no side vision port for the radio operator and the lack of a turret ring guard on the upper hull. The Ausf E fought in the early Blitzkrieg campaigns including the 1940 invasion of France and the Lowlands.
This new Panzer III Ausf E is in Dragon・s Smart Kit format and compliments the recent Ausf F (kit 6632), with which is shares much tooling, in offering modellers an up to date 1/35 kit of an early war Panzer III. This kit depicts an initial production Ausf E as it would have left the factory and been used in the invasion of France and has new parts to capture these specific features. Many Ausf E were later up-gunned to the 50mm KwK L/42 during overhauls which also saw other improvements such as the fitting of wider road wheels.
The gatefold instructions have 19 steps of line drawings that are clearly laid out and like other Smart Kit models the parts are designed to make construction enjoyable by such as minimising the need for clean up (e.g. absence of visible sink marks) and positive alignment of parts. Photo etch is provided for the air intake grills, chains below the smoke candles, upper fender supports (angled plate), commander sight, bracket for the fire extinguisher, centres for the idler wheels (early pattern idler), and the lower stopper for the rear fender flaps. Preformed metal is included for the forward headlamp cable conduits.
TURRET
This kit・s turret has the option of fitting the periscope housing on the turret roof which is a feature seen in some but not all front line photos (optional part S30 in step 18). Other distinguishing features of early production Panzer IIIs are the twin MG34s, early style ．drum・ commander・s cupola, and the 37mm KwK. The cupola is based on a 5 directional slide molded core and internal detail included five vision blocks made from clear plastic, and the lock mechanism and head pad for the split hatch. The hatches and ports have internal detail and can be modelled open. The toothed turret ring is integrated with the turret・s base and the commander・s seat is attached to it. The turret roof has integrated detail for counter sunk holes etc and separate parts for the varying handles, commander・s sight etc. On the side of the turret there are separate crisply detailed lifting hooks and rain guards, while the rear has separate parts for the distinctive conical bolts.
The 37mm KwK gun tube is a crisp one-piece example of slide molding with the muzzle end bored out. Inside the turret the there is the gun breech, guard and spent shell catcher, providing a complete gun assembly. The mantlet has a pair of slide-molded MG34s (you need to cut off the butts if you leave the side-hatches open) and a separate vision port flap. The gun sleeve is made from two parts to capture an upper casting mark seen in factory photos and the bolt heads on the front face.
LOWER HULL
The lower hull is based on a one piece tub which has opening for the side escape hatches. The hatches are separate pieces with separate hinges and fit over open cut outs in the hull side, which allows for considerable diorama potential. The lower hull is well detailed featuring items such as weld seams, drain plugs on the bottom, while most of the bump stops, and the shock absorbers on the sides are integrated into the one piece hull tub.
The road wheels are new to this kit and depict the early narrower 75mm tyres and typical of the Smart Kit format have the tyre and rim as one piece (the later wider tyres with rims are included as spares on the A sprue which gives some flexibility if modelling an overhauled Ausf E). The suspension arms are separate parts, which are linked to the separate internal torsion bar suspension arms. The angle of the arms could be adjusted to provide flexibility in positioning the Panzer in dioramas. The rear idlers have photo-etched rims and feature the oval shaped lightening holes and raised ribs.
The rear hull has the expected level of detail. The cover for the starter crank can be positioned open to reveal the crank port. The mufflers are well detailed with small detail present while the exhaust pipes have hollowed out ends. The smoke candle racks are well detailed with each candle a separate part and PE used for the chains.
The tracks are Magic Tracks where each link comes loose, and for most modellers will require no clean up. These links are the earlier 38cm wide type with open guide horns and no chevrons on the outer faces. The tracks are asymmetric in that there is a separate set for each side to reflect the way the track pins were fitted. Each side is separately packed and has its own shade of grey.
UPPER HULL & ENGINE DECK
The upper hull has a slide molded engine deck and the upper side armor plates have been retooled to depict the absence of the radio operator・s vision slot (optional parts let you build the kit with the port with gives you some flexibility).
The engine deck has four hinged hatches of which two are split and can be modeled open. However you will need to supply your own Maybach HL 120 engine (several are available). PE is provided for the screens over each side air intake and the tie down hooks are nicely rendered. You have the option of using separate parts for the cable stays and guides to depict a Panzer without a tow cable or an injection plastic part which depicts the cable with integrated stays and guides. Both options look realistic with the tow cable capturing the twisted strands of wire nicely.
On the front, the separate bow plate depicts the 30mm thick plates used on new build Ausf E. The glacis plate is well done with crisp weld beams and sharp counter sunk screw holes on the hinges for the brake access hatches. As per an Ausf E there are no air vent cowling fitted for the brakes. The hull MG 34 is a Gen-2 tooling and features the ball mount and the internal detail such as the grip and ammunition bag. As per the Ausf E there are two small lamps on the front hull.
The side fenders have anti-skid pattern on the upper surface and underside and integrated front fenders. The holes for the tools are predrilled. The tools have the brackets and clamps cast on for ease of assembly. This kit includes fender locks and pre-bent metal for the cable conduits feeding the fender mounted lamps.
DECALS
The medium sized decal sheet by Cartograf has markings for seven Panzer III each of which is supported by three profiles on the instruction sheet and a colour profile on the side of the box. The Panzers are shown as painted either solid grey or grey with brown camouflage in line with recent research findings. All tanks have Balkan Crosses (3 profiles supplied) and most have unit markings and turret numbers. The Panzers are:
* turret number white 213 from 1st Panzer Division France 1940 (box art).
* hull number yellow 124, 5th Panzer Division, Greece 1941
* turret number white 156 from 4th Panzer Division France 1940
* unidentified unit from Poland 1939 with the solid white crosses used in this campaign.
* turret numbers white 332, 132 and 142 from unidentified units in France 1940
* turret numbers white with underline 700 and 701 from Panzer Regiment 1, 1st Panzer Division France 1940.
RECOMMENDATION
Dragon・s
new Panzer III Ausf E provides another first rate addition to Dragon・s
growing range of early war Panzers. It has all the strengths expected
from the Smart Kit format and offers the option of building a comprehensive
kit out of the box. Definitely recommended. - Neville Lord Kit, DML 6631, Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.E, France 1940 DRAGON MODELS LIMITED 6631, Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.E, France 1940 Smart Kit. 1/35th-scale injection-molded styrene/multimedia kit. Contains: 607 styrene parts (including 22 clear), two bags of individual-link Magic Tracks, one photo-etched brass fret, two pieces of formed metal wire, seven decal/marking schemes and six pages of instructions in 19 steps Introduction. DML continues to work backwards through their series of Pz.Kpfw.III kits, and have now created the earliest version with six road-wheels and torsion bar suspension, the Ausf.E. The Ausf.A, B, C and D had very different hull shapes and suspension systems, so cannot be kitted until major new tools have been cut. The Ausf.E was used in Poland, France and in the 1941 campaigns in Yugoslavia and Greece, so it saw relatively wide service early in the war. In fact, this particular kit is labeled as a 70th Anniversary Edition, commemorating the Battle of France in 1940. Thus, the majority of the markings (six out of a possible eight) are from this time period. In order to physically represent an Ausf.E, major now components, to include narrow, 75mm-wide road-wheels, a new starboard side superstructure plate and new markings are included in the box, along with all the parts from the original Ausf.F. Therefore, a portion of this report will consist of comments made previously here at MLs ToT page. Tracks. These come loosely packed in two bags and are so-called Magic Tracks. They represent the Kgs.6111/380/120 38cm-wide links that had hollow guide horns and plain cleat faces. These tracks are also handed, so the modeler is cautioned not to open up the bags and mix things up prior to assembly; as an added bit of help, each sides links are a slightly different color of gray styrene. Being Magic Tracks, they have no sprue attachment points, which is a definite time saver since no cutting or clean-up in that regard is required. Each has a pair of extremely faint ejector pin marks on the inner face. These can be ignored or erased as the modeler sees fit. They fit together easily but quite loosely, and must be fixed together with glue prior to handling. Suspension System. The road-wheels are conventionally molded in inner and outer pieces, with integral rubber tires. New for this release, they now represent the original types with tires that are 75mm-wide. Also included are road-wheels with 95mm-wide tires as seen in all previous Pz.Kpfw.III and StuG.III kits. As built, the Ausf.E was fitted with the narrow-tired road-wheels, while any of them that survived long enough were fitted with the wider-tired road-wheels. So, having both types in the same box will allow for more latitude in the presentation of the finished model. The outer faces of the wheel hubs feature perforations and weld beads where appropriate, while the tires have a facsimile of the manufacturers logo (ContinentaU) on their rims. On the inner faces, the tubes that helped join the wheel halves together are molded on, providing an unprecedented level of detail in this regard. Spare road wheels and spare track pins are also given for stowage. The return rollers are conventionally-molded in two parts (inner and outer halves). New for this kit are a pair of separate return roller mounts; these will allow the modeler to place the mounts in their original locations, or further forward as later modified. The drive sprockets come as conventional inner and outer pieces and are completely detailed; they are of the type with eight circular openings on their outer rims and were specific to the 38cm tracks. The idler wheels are also in inner and outer parts, but feature separate hubs as well as etched brass inner rings. The idler wheels also have separate cranked axles; they can be slightly repositioned, so the modeler is advised not to glue them in place on the hull until the fit and sag of the tracks have been worked out. Separate internal torsion bars are given as are beautifully-detailed separate external swing arms. This will allow the suspension to be fixed in an articulated fashion if the modeler desires to place his work on a base with irregular terrain; to do so, simply cut off the pins that protrude from the hull sides, which are there in case the modeler wants a level, fixed suspension. Slide-molded shock absorbers of the early types with rubber boots on the top are given as well as mounting plates for the final drive housings, which do not include the drilled out segment for towing eyes, which were introduced on the Ausf.J. Other separate parts include the final drive housings and bump stops. Hull and Fittings. The main part of the hull is based upon the 5.Serie/Z.W. Panzerwanne (armor hull) as originally seen in DMLs earlier Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J kits; as such, it includes the side-wall escape hatches as separate multi-part assemblies that can be depicted opened or closed. Also seen is the simple all-bolted angle-iron hull/superstructure connecting strip. The hull is produced from a slide-mold so it is fully detailed on all faces. This detail includes mounts for the road-wheel torsion bar/swing arm units, idler wheel mount, bump stops and shock absorber mounts, as well as the various bolted strips that connected the hull to the superstructure. Panel seams and weld beads are also present. The belly has drain plug and access plate detail molded in place, plus bolts and rivet heads, as well as weld beads, where necessary. A separate circular access cap as seen on this version of the hull is provided, while the modeler is also instructed to remove some bolt detail where appropriate. It should also be noted that DML has again shown in the instructions that the six injection stubs seen on the upper rim of the hull molding are to be removed before construction. The bow plate is separate and its configuration represents the base armor of 30mm as seen on the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.E. The glacis plate assembly includes the openings for the Einsteigklappen (driver and radio operators hatches), which are finished off with separate lids that include etched bras detail parts. The main glacis part incorporates fine molded-on hinge and weld details. The Entluftungsstutzen (brake vent armor hood) assemblies are now properly marked as not-for-use, as they were not original equipment on the Ausf.E. Two-part Anhangegabel (tow eye) assemblies are then installed, as are a pair of head-lamps with separate, slotted front covers; the latter are complimented by pre-formed steel wire parts that well-represent the power conduits. The rear hull plate includes molded-on mounts for the rear towing eyes; the latter are composed of three parts for each unit. A properly configured separate dome-shaped access plate is fitted low on the center of the plate, as are a pair of Auspufftopf (exhaust muffler/pipe assemblies); these are slide-molded and feature opened pipe ends. A separate intermediary-angled plate connects the rear wall of the hull to the belly plate; it includes weld and access port details molded in place and is tailored for this specific version. Track-Guards and Fittings The track-guards are detailed on the top and bottom surfaces; neither is marred by ejector pin marks. The well-rendered dot-pattern non-skid plates are complimented at one point with an etched brass part that continues the pattern at a right angle where it surrounds the engine cooling air inlet armored cowl. A number of separate parts go to make up the fillets where the track-guards met the hull. Separate mounting brackets and stiffeners are then added. There are two different rear mud-flap configurations provided; these will allow them to be raised or lowered without any accuracy or detail compromises. They are complimented by etched brass or styrene detail parts, but the former are probably not for use. Both rear mud-flaps are provided with circular openings for the usual brake lamps. The port-side assembly also features a second option with the cut-out for the Notek Abstandsrucklicht (distance-keeping tail-lamp), but this should only be used if modeling a Panzer in service after the campaigns of 1940. The Tarnscheinwerfer-Notek system is also provided as a multi-part styrene and etched brass assembly. This is optional (see above) and some holes must be opened up underneath the track-guards to accommodate its mount, if the modeler chooses to add this feature. Separate Seitenluchte (marker lamps) in two styles of styrene (clear or solid) are also provided, as is a horn. The former are newly-tooled and properly represent the style seen on the Ausf.E. The tools are all separate parts, each of which features nice molded-on clasp and bracket details. Two multi-part tool boxes are provided, one for each track-guard; a five-part jack (with two choices to represent the slide-molded foot), a two-part, slide-molded jack block and a one-piece fire extinguisher finish the fittings. Superstructure. On the Pz.Kpfw.III, the Bugpanzer (front armor), and the Heckpanzer (rear armor) combined to create the Panzerkastenoberteil (armored superstructure). DML provides these as separate modules, reflecting how the actual Panzer was manufactured. The Bugpanzer module consists of a core molding upon which is placed various panels for all-around detail fidelity. The separate roof panel features a turret ring with a properly-detailed race, devoid of the usual openings to bayonet-mount the turret. I prefer this, but this means the turret will not be especially secure on the finished model. The turret ring base shot deflector is a separate part, but should not be used as the Ausf.E did not have this fitted as original equipment. Separate side and front superstructure panels are then fitted. These feature separate, multi-part Sehklappen (view-ports), which include clear parts for the vision block on the drivers side; naturally they can be modeled opened or closed. Additionally, the starboard side features a rod antenna and its mount, and is also provided as two options: one had a view-port, the other did not; the latter was most often seen on the Ausf.E. The two-part rod antenna stowage trough, complete with wood-grain effect is mounted above the starboard side track-guard. The 30mm thick superstructure front plate has the two openings for the drivers K.F.F.2 binocular periscope in place. The Fahrersehklappe 30 (drivers view-port for 30mm armor) is comprised of three parts externally to include either a styrene or etched brass rain-guard. The latter is provided with a styrene former attached to the V sprue for ease in obtaining the proper shape. The view-port shutters can be depicted opened or closed, but curiously, the usual clear part is not provided for the internal glass block. The radio operators MG34 features complete internal mount detail and is a Gen2 molding with pre-drilled muzzle. The Kugelblende 30 (ball mount for 30mm armor) is then fitted on the outer surface. The Heckpanzer (rear armor) module is a separate part and is configured much like the original; the entire assembly can be left off to depict an engine change. Coming from a slide mold, it has details on all faces including various styles of plate and weld detail as well as attachment flanges and bolt heads. The four hatch engine access hatch lids are separate parts, with proper separate internal rim detail around the hatch openings, and separate hinges. Two more separate lids are provided for the engine fan access hatches. Separate parts for the Heckpanzers lifting hooks are also given for maximum detail fidelity. An all-styrene tow cable is provided for the engine deck, but Id have preferred the option of a wound wire/etched brass/styrene option for better detail and flexibility. The modeler can go that route with an after-market set if so desired, as DML also provides alternate empty mounting brackets. Holes must be opened up from beneath the engine deck to accommodate these parts, but they are oddly shaped and will require some work with a file after they are drilled-out. Engine cooling air intake vents are provided; these are topped by etched brass screens. The multi-part rear section is also properly represents the configuration seen on the Ausf.E, to include a separate Verschlussklappe fur Andrehkurbel lid, with the hinge on the bottom. A complete Nebelkerzenabwurfvorrichtung (smoke candle dispenser rack) with separate smoke grenades are complimented by etched brass chains, and a slide-molded mounting bracket. Turret. The upper shell is a one-piece affair, created from a slide mold, and is also new for this kit. It matches drawings in Reference 1, page 3-2-31, and is identified as a 5./Z.W. Turm mit 3.7cm KwK. The molded-on detail is crisp and complete, including counter-sunk screw head details, weld beads and signal-port splash guards/openings. Certain screw heads are filled in for this version and it should be noted that other patterns are seen on variations of this turret, which suggests a later version with 5cm gun is in the works. The signal-port openings each get a separate Signalklappen (signal port flap), with the one on the starboard side having a Tarnklappe (fake periscope cover) fitted, which was standard on the Ausf.E and also seen on some Ausf.Fs. There are also other parts not-for-use, that will allow the addition of the roof-mounted Aufbaulufter (vent fan) when a 5cm-armed Ausf.F is released; a hole is opened up from inside the turret to mount the fitting. An etched brass or styrene commanders blade sight can be fitted to the roof as well as a pair of grab-handles above each side-wall hatch. The side walls of the turret include openings for the separate vision port flaps; these include interior hinges and clear styrene parts to represent the glass vision blocks. Separate splash-guards are then fitted in front of each of these assemblies, using location-assisting dimensions provided in the instructions. The side walls have openings that are complimented by multi-part hatch doors. These are the two-piece type and they feature clear styrene for the vision ports armored glass, plus a new lid for one-half of each hatch opening. Separate hinges and separate coamings complete these assemblies. Other openings on the side walls receive detail parts such as lift hooks and door latches. The rear wall incorporates openings to mount a pair of separate MP-Stopfen (pistol ports), as well as proper model-specific rivet details. The separate turret base has a gear-tooth pattern on the ring race and a commanders seat. The Kommandantenkuppel (commanders cupola) represents the type with part number 021 B 9261, as seen on page 3-2-33 in Reference 1. Featuring the two-piece hatch lid, the entire 25-part assembly is based on a slide-molded core. It features two-position view-port covers with separate clear internal vision blocks and frames. The entire assembly is complimented by a separate splash ring for the base of the cupola, on the turrets rear face. The front plate is based on the 5./Z.W. Turm (turret) with a 30mm internal Walzenblende (gun mantle). This is a two-part assembly with the 3.7cm KwK to port and the twin MG34s to starboard. The 3.7cm KwK is centered on a slide-molded, pre-bored gun tube beneath a two-part armored cover, with basic internal details. These include full breech, with guard and spent shell collector bag. A separate, two-part gunners Sehklappe (view-port flap) can be installed opened or closed. On the starboard side is a multi-part mount for the twin MG34s. These are Gen-2 types and come complete with butt-stock and bipod for field use. They are slide-molded, so the cooling jacket sports proper perforations and the bore is already opened; then separate receiver covers are added. Their front sights and butt-stocks are hacked off (according to the instructions) and new, separate nubs are placed where the latter used to be. Their internal mount is made up of several parts, while the external armored covers for the MG34s are separate parts. Molding, Fit and Engineering. Like many of their recent new-tool kits, DMLs designers have gone to great lengths to provide a level of detail on the styrene parts not often previously seen. Slide-molds have been used in a very intelligent way either to allow for better detail rendition, or for ease of assembly. In other areas, multiple parts make up assemblies that require this approach. On visible surfaces, not a single ejector pin mark was found and there was no shrinkage of any kind. Fit of major parts was excellent and mold seams were faint and easily dealt with. Accuracy. Where I could match the kits components and dimensions against reliable scale drawings from Reference 1, below, I found no discrepancies of any import. Physical details compare well with available photographs. Tom Cockle has noted that the shape of the drivers visor rain guard in both its etched and styrene versions, in the Ausf.F kit, is incorrect; photos and drawings bear this out. It appears that the shapes have not been corrected for this release. Decals and Markings Information. The decals are the usual excellent Italian product from Cartograf. They are crisp, in register and have thin, closely-cropped carrier film. Markings for seven Panzer, with one variation, are given as follows: Unidentified
unit, Poland 1939. It is noteworthy that the box top art, painted by Ron Volstad, depicts a French Campaign Ausf.E in the proper two-tone camouflage colors, Dunkelgrau and Dunkelbraun. This is properly carried over to the painting and markings segment of the instructions as well. Therefore all of the Ausf.Es depicted have the two-tone color scheme, except for the one seen in Greece in 1941. This one also, correctly, shows the Ausf.E in the proper monotone Dunkelgrau color scheme. Although modelers are still debating the standardized use of the two-tone system (blasphemers, I say!!), it is a welcome sight to this believer to see that DML has come around to the orthodox view. Regarding the actual markings themselves, I could only confirm with photos, the scheme used by white (underlined) 700 and 701 (see reference number 6, page 8). The Ausf.E from the Polish Campaign is generic enough that it is probably correct as well. Other schemes are similar to those seen in photos, including those of the 4.Panzer-Division in France and the 5.Panzer-Division in Greece. Instructions. These are in the usual drawn style and appear to be well-done. As usual, they are busy, and there are many steps within steps. Modelers are cautioned to proceed with care, especially when considering which physical options may go with a particular markings scheme. When I reviewed the earlier Ausf.F kit, I received several notes regarding the instructions from Tom Cockle, one of the kits listed consultants. Most of the issues he noted have been corrected, but two still (apparently) remain. They are as follows: Step
7 and 8, parts MA4 should not be used. Conclusion. In my view, this release is superior to the previous Ausf.F kit because it not only has parts specific to the Ausf.E, but all the parts needed to build an Ausf.F as well. This makes it quite a bit more versatile, adding to its overall appeal. Please note the following: The track-guards, parts blue B14 and 15, have been modified to accommodate the re-worked marker lamps. A re-tooled and corrected rain guard, part V58, is indeed included for placement over the drivers vision port. My apologies for any confusion caused by the above errors in my report. I also made the following observation when constructing the guns and mantlet parts: Properly
seat part S6 inside the MG mantlet, part S5; allow to dry thoroughly
before handling. This will be the key to fitting the remaining parts
in their proper places. - Frank V. De Sisto Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.E France 1940 Manufacturer: Dragon models Scale: 1/35 Material: Styrene & photo-etch Serial Number: 6631 Price: TBA
Introduction The Panzer Kampfwagen III Ausf.E first appeared on the scene in late 1938, and yet despite many shortcomings, the German High Command foresaw the future need for massive numbers of these vehicles, despite only just under a hundred of the Ausf.E being manufactured. Therefore the next production variant, the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.F was basically the same apart from small changes to allow the vehicle to be mass-manufactured.
As a consequence of this, this kit is not dissimilar to kit no.6632 released earlier this year.
The Kit Contents There's a lot of plastic in this box! The contents consist of ten large sprues, and eleven smaller ones of light grey styrene, together with three small transparent sprues, a separate lower hull and turret shell, two pre-formed wires, two bags of 'Magic Track' track links, a photo-etched fret and decal sheet. Some of the larger sprues actually consist of smaller ones with distinct letters joined together, and several sprues are repeated such as those holding the running gear etc. The contents are actually identical to that of kit no. 6632 apart from the large sprue A that now includes a small off-shoot with a single new superstructure side wall, Sprue B has two new parts that were omitted from 6632, and yet curiously are marked as 'not for use' in this one? Finally, of course there's a new set of smaller 75mm roadwheels, the old larger ones still being supplied on sprue A though. The 75mm referring to the width of the wheel and not the diameter, and so face on there's not much difference.
Construction too, is almost identical to kit no.6632, with the instructions themselves hardly altered from that kit. The kit has working torsion bar suspension, with which construction begins, along with two-part drive sprocket, and idler wheels that include photo-etched inserts for finer detail. It's actually quite easy to become confused when installing the torsion bars to the lower hull, and it's important that the correct one be installed in the correct way, so it's worth taking your time and being careful. Separate drive housings are also provided for greater detail. In the lower hull the crew escape hatches are provided as separate parts, which come in handy if you're building a diorama, and may also provide better detail. It never ceases to fascinate me how detailed the hydraulic shock absorbers look on these kits...perfectly detailed parts, with no ejector pin marks....lovely!
Construction of the rear of the hull proceeds in the same way as the Ausf.F, with the smoke candle rack being provided with tiny photo-etched retaining chains. I'm not convinced with these though, and the last time I built one of these I swapped them out for real chain. It might have been slightly over-scale though, and I think you would struggle to find real chain of the correct sale size, so there is a compromise to be made.
Although the same fenders are supplied in this kit as the earlier release, there's a small difference with the late rear Notek convoy light no longer being an option, instead an earlier reflector being fitted. I can't find out when the rear Notek light came into service, but if it is the right time frame and you wanted one, there's one spare in the kit.
The engine deck is the same, and with the same photo-etched fret being included, we're still offered the very nice grills for the engine air intakes. We're also still offered the not so nice moulded towing rope, although they should be forgiven since Dragon also offer the empty clamps should you wish not to use the moulded tow cable. Photo-etched options would be even nice though, to allow for example a Karaya cable to be fitted more easily.
At the front of the model, there's no longer any air vents for the drive brakes, so no need to drill holes in the glacis, which is about the only thing that differs on this model. There is a new left superstructure sidewall included in this kit...which as far as I can tell is identical to the old one...which is still included in the kit? We're also offered the option of using the right sidewall without the driver's vision port or the old one with the vision port.
The main gun included in the kit is incredibly well detailed, although it's still the 3.7cm Kw.K L/46.5 that was included with kit no. 6632. A lot of the Ausf.E's were retro-fitted with the 5cm L/42 which was fitted to later Ausf.F's and retro-fitted to earlier Ausf.F's.
All the vision blocks etc. in the kit are supplied as clear plastic, with them all having working internal parts as well, should you wish to go to the trouble of installing them all. All hatches are provided as separate parts with detail on their inner surfaces too.
The tracks in the kit are the 38 cm Magic Track individual link sort, and come in two separate bags, each side in s slightly different shade of grey to make sure you don't become confused! Dark grey on the left, light grey on the right...just make sure you've installed them facing the right way around....although there are plenty of pic to show that the soldiers that used the vehicles often got that wrong too!
All the tools supplied in the kit are of the smart kit type, i.e. with as open 'U' on them. These can look good after a decent paint job, better with some thinning down, or superb if shaved off and replaced. The choice is yours, although photo-etched replacements are not included in the kit.
Markings-wise, there are seven very early war schemes detailed on the back of the instructions, as you would expect since this kit is released as the first in the series commemorating operation 'Fall Gelb', although one version does depict a vehicle of the 5th Panzer Division in Greece during 1941?
Only one of the schemes is in Panzer grey, the other six all having a camouflage pattern of brown applied over the panzer grey. See below for further details.
Conclusion I don't know how many modellers will feel that is a must-have kit....especially if they already have the Ausf.F, but I suspect it will still be a best seller. It's Axis after all. The kit includes superb detail, plus fantastic engineering and design. It deserves to sell well, plus if you want a complete collection of Panzer III's then it definitely is a must-buy!
Recommended. - Vinnie Branigan Kit Review:
Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ．39-．45 Series Kit No. 6631; Pz. Kpfw.
III Ausf. E France 1940 - Smart Kit; 827 parts (560 in grey styrene,
216 ：Magic Track； links, 26 etched brass, 23 clear styrene, 2 prebent
steel wire); price US$47.95 via DragonUSA Online; also available as
Kit No. 6631S with figure set No. 6654, Ghost Division Tank Crew Blitzkrieg
1940, for $52.95 from the same source - Cookie Sewell Copyright 1998-2010 Dragon Models Limited. All Rights Reserved |