Rubicon 1/56 Panzer III Ausf E/F/G
The Panzerkampfwagen III (SdKfz 141), commonly known as the Panzer III, was a
medium tank developed in the 1930s by Germany, and was used extensively in WW2.
It was intended to fight other armoured fighting vehicles and serve alongside
and support the similar Panzer IV which was originally designed for infantry
support. However, as the Germans faced the formidable Russian T-34 tanks, more
powerful anti-tank guns were needed, and since the Panzer IV had more
development potential with a larger turret ring, it was redesigned to mount the
long-barrelled 7.5cm KwK 40 gun. The Panzer III effectively swapped roles with
the Panzer IV, as from 1942 the last version of Panzer III mounted the 7.5 cm
KwK 37 L/24 that was better suited for infantry support. Production of the
Panzer III ceased in 1943. Nevertheless, the Panzer III's capable chassis
provided hulls for the Sturmgeschütz III assault gun until the end of the war.
A total of 5,774 were produced between 1939 and 1943.
The Ausf E was the first version of the mass produced Panzer III tanks. The
Ausf E, armed with either a 3.7cm KwK 36 L/46.5 or a 5cm KwK 38 L/42 gun, was
fitted with torsion bar suspension with six roadwheels on individual swing
axles. Three track return rollers were positioned above the road wheels. A few
Ausf E saw combat in Poland in 1939.
The factory painted dark grey (dunkelgrau RAL46) and dark brown (dunkelbraun
RAL45) camouflage pattern was discontinued by order dated July 31, 1940. They
were painted dunkelgrau after that date. Most were used in the invasion of
Holland, Belgium and France in May 1940.
The Ausf F was initially armed with a 3.7cm KwK 36 L/46.5 gun and later up
armoured and fitted with 5cm KwK 38 L/42 gun. Armoured vents were fitted to the
turret roof and rear engine deck to enable it to cope with the dust and heat of
the North African desert. Paint was dark yellow (dunkelgelb) with extensive
usage on the Eastern Front.
The Ausf G was produced between March 1940 and early 1941. The first Ausf G
tanks were armed with 3.7cm KwK L/46.5 guns. Some took part in the invasion of
Holland, Belgium and France in May 1940. After experience during the Battle of
France, some were upgraded with a 5cm KwK 38 L/42 gun. They were used on the
Eastern Front and in North Africa. Rear turret stowage boxes were sometimes
fitted later.
Product Highlights
- Option to build an Ausf E, F or G variant
- Open or closed command & crew hatches
- Tank crew figures included
Product Code: 280091
Number of Parts: 143 pieces / 4 sprues
This product is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue and paints not
included