| Date of Review |
October 2005 |
| Manufacturer |
Zvezda |
| Subject |
Panzer III Ausf.F |
| Scale |
1/35 |
| Kit Number |
3571 |
| Primary Media |
Styrene |
| Detail Media |
Styrene |
| Clear Media |
N/A |
| Pros |
DML quality kit |
| Cons |
|
| Skill Level |
Basic |
| MSRP (USD) |
$29.98 |
Background
The German Panzer III was an evolutionary development from the
lessons learned in the field with the Panzer I and Panzer II series.
The Panzer I and Panzer II were classed as light tanks, while the
Panzer III and Panzer IV were medium tanks. While the light tanks
were ideal for most of the Blitz campaigns, it would be up to the
new medium tanks to deal with enemy armor and fortified opposition.
The Panzer III was developed with an anti-tank gun in the turret
and two machine guns. By mid-1940, the Panzer III Ausf.F was armed
with a 37mm main gun. The Panzer III Ausf.F would see distinguished
service in Russia as well as in North Africa.
The Kit
Zvezda's Panzer III Ausf.F is molded in light gray styrene and
is presented on six parts trees, plus one lower hull section and
a pair of 'rubberband' tracks molded in silver. The kit is free
of flash and ejector pin marks in visible places. Detailing is
nicely molded into the kit where appropriate. Nicer still, none
of the usual details that appear on other kits are cast onto the
hull and fenders of this kit. Specifically, the fender brackets,
pioneering tools and lighting are all separate pieces. Nice job
Zvezda!
The lower hull is nicely detailed as well and there are no holes
in the hull for motorization. In addition, there are no 'air gaps'
between the upper and lower hulls when assembled. This model is
designed for the modeler, not the toy market.
The only down side to the kit is that it is designed to be posed
'buttoned up'. The drivers compartment hatches, turret side hatches
and most of the rear deck are closed up. Only the commander's hatch
can really be posed open. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing
are there is no interior to this kit, it does get in the way of
the superdetailer or the modeler who'd love to stuff the four new
Warriors' Panzer III crew figures (reviewed elsewhere in this issue)
into the open hatches.
Markings are provided for three examples:
- 04, Captured and pressed into service by the Soviet Army
- An unnumbered example of the German Army, Easter Front, 1941
- 431, German Army, Eastern Front, 1941
Conclusions
Zvezda kits are nicely detailed, reasonably priced and offer the
novice as well as the experienced modeler a great project. Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Squadron
Mail Order for this review sample!
Return to the Armor/AFV Menu
|
