Barcode: 0 89195 87372 9
Case pack: 48 pieces per master carton
Box size: 6.4" x 10.2" x 1.9"

Features:

• Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J rendered w/realistic detail
• Cupola hatched doors can be assembled open/closed
• Newly tooled vision ports molded on turret
• Intricate fenders w/detailed OVMs
• Finely detailed hull front w/realistic MG34
• One-piece slide-molded lower hull with exemplary detailed
• Air deflector authentic represented w. photos-etched mash.
• Engine deck realistically presented w/tow cable.
• Exhaust pipes w/hollow ends
• Engine deck realistically presented w/tow cables
• Two types of cooling-air intakes are provided w/without air-intake grill
• Slide-molded hydraulic shock absorbers are crisply molded
• One-piece detailed DS tracks

The Panzer III helped form the backbone of Germany's vaunted Panzer divisions, especially in the earlier stages of WWII. To keep this medium tank competitive on the battlefield, it received a number of improvements in armor and armament throughout its life. The Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J, manufactured between March 1941 and July 1942, was the first model to feature 50mm-thick basic frontal armor. The rear and engine deck were also redesigned owing to the hull being lengthened. Late-Production models of the Ausf.J received the longer and more effective 5cm KwK38 gun of L/60 caliber. A total of 1,549 tanks of this mark were produced, ensuring it was widely used on both the Eastern Front and in North Africa.

Dragon's brand new 1/72 scale kit of a Panzer III Ausf.J depicts a Late-Production variant. Utilizing developments and research from an earlier 1/35 scale Smart Kit counterpart, this model is another masterpiece of engineering and design. It's replete with a sizzling level of detail. This Panzer III J is fully detailed yet it offers a good balance of easy assembly through such features as DS tracks. The Ausf.J's use against T-34s and KV-1 tanks in Russia, or Grants and Valentines on North Africa's battlefields, provides modelers with ample inspiration in portraying this tank in a diorama. Modelers are supported by a selection of high-quality decal markings, making this indeed an exciting new Panzer III kit from Dragon!

REVIEWS:

Kit Review:

Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7372;

Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J; 122 parts(115 in grey styrene, 5 etched brass, 2 DS Plastic track runs);

pre-order price US$19.95 via Dragon USA Online

Advantages: new kit of one of the more common Pzkw. III models; based on StuG III kits with same attention to detail

Disadvantages: nothing major noted

Rating: Highly Recommended

Recommendation: for all German small-scale modelers

After a pause of about a year DML has returned to its Panzer III line in 1/72 and is "walking back" from the last versions to the mid production tanks. This kit is of the common J version and uses some new parts along with parts from the M and N kits. As with the recent Ausf. L and N kits, only sprue D (wheels) and E (the tracks) are retained from the StuG kit.

As before the kit makes a great deal of use of slide molding for its parts. The return rollers are molded together but the slide mold provides for the face details of each pair. The same is true for the gun barrel and a hollow bore as well as some other smaller details.

The hull comes with the places marked in raised lines for the side hatches. The vision ports are now included on the turret shell molding (part A36).

The kit now has supplemental directions for the DS Plastic tracks that advises pulling on them if too short or trimming them if too long: as they do take standard plastic cements this is not a major problem and will ensure a good fit. The ones in this kit were 154mm versus a recommended length of 158mm.

The kit comes with five etched brass bits: the engine radiator air intakes and exhaust grilles. Two braces are provided but not accommodated in the directions.

The kit offers two finishing options: 5.Pz.Rgt. 24, 24th Panzer Division, Stalingrad 1942 (grey, crosses, red 523); and 1./SS.Pz.Rgt. 5, SS Panzergrenadier Division "Wiking", Russia 1943 (grey, crosses, red 122). A tiny sheet of Cartograf decals is provided with the kit.

Overall this kit continues their coverage of Panzer IIIs in 1/72 scale.

Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.

Cookie Sewell