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Preview: MiniArt's combo kit - 35th scale Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. D/B with Crew From MiniArt
Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. D/B with Crew
From MiniArt
#53085
1/35th Scale
1/35th Scale
Four marking choices
Two crew included.
Product Link on the Miniart Website
Product Link on the Miniart Website
The kit contains Miniart's amalgamation of their Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. D/B plus a crew of two tankers to steer the beast. Not sure about the lineage of this marque of Panzer III? We have some background for you.
The Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf D, also called the Sd Kfz 141 3b Serie Zugführerwagen/3b Serie ZW – it was the fourth and final development version of the Panzer III and saw a final attempt to improve the suspension system first adopted on the Ausf B. That version of the tank had introduced a system with eight road wheels on each side. The wheels were connected in pairs, which were then carried on two long leaf springs, with one pair of wheels at each end. On the Ausf. C, the first and last pairs of wheels were given their own short leaf spring, carried parallel to the ground, while the second and third pairs were carried on a long leaf spring.
On the Ausf D, the second and third pairs of wheels remained unchanged, but the short leaf springs for the first and fourth pairs were mounted at an angle. This had the effect of increasing the amount of support they provided, but the suspension system was still not satisfactory and would be replaced completely on the Ausf. E.
The Ausf D also featured a new commander’s cupola, which would be used on the Panzer III Ausf D, E and F and on the Panzer IV Ausf B, C and D. This cupola was protected by 30mm armour and had five vision slits. Minor changes included the replacement of the louvres on the rear hull with hatches and changes to the sprocket, idler and transmission.
The first fifteen Ausf Ds carried the same 15mm main armour as the earlier versions. According to some sources, the last fifteen were given thicker 30mm armour, but this is not at all certain.
The Panzer III Ausf. D served with the Panzer regiments and divisions in Poland but was officially withdrawn in February 1940 along with all earlier models because of its thin armour and poor suspension. It briefly returned to the front line during the Norwegian campaign when it was issued to the snappily titled Pz Abt z b V 40.
The new kit from MiniArt:
MiniArt has combined two of its kits, the two figures in the turret of the tank combined with their popular Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. D/B kit. We have a feature breakdown now.
Kit features:
Workable tracks links
Workable chassis & suspension
Accurate turret interior
All hatches can be posed open or closed.
Clear parts included
Photo-etched parts included
Decal sheet for 4 variants
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Contents of the Box – these sprues are duplicated on some of these multiple times:
The track links and Track Pins are in multiples here
Turret, Coppola & Hull base
Clear parts for periscopes/viewing ports
PE parts – not too many, which is great!
There are two figures included with this kit. Both riding upon the turret...
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The colour schemes supplied in this kit
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This kit is due for release next month. You can see all of MiniArt's kits at their homepage.