Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L

1
June 30, 2021
Assembly completed and ready for primer. Note how the tracks don't want to lay down flat across the top. I will fix this later after painting and weathering.
2
June 30, 2021
Assembly completed and ready for primer.
3
June 30, 2021
Assembly completed and ready for primer. Note how the tracks don't want to lay down flat across the top. I will fix this later after painting and weathering.
4
June 30, 2021
Assembly completed and ready for primer.
5
June 30, 2021
Assembly completed and ready for primer.
6
July 1, 2021
Primered with Stynylrez black surface primer, then base coated with Tamiya XF-60 "Dark Yellow". Hi-lites were done with a mix of XF-60 and Tamiya XF-57 "Buff" of approx 60/40.
7
July 1, 2021
Primered with Stynylrez black surface primer, then base coated with Tamiya XF-60 "Dark Yellow". Hi-lites were done with a mix of XF-60 and Tamiya XF-57 "Buff" of approx 60/40.
8
July 1, 2021
Primered with Stynylrez black surface primer, then base coated with Tamiya XF-60 "Dark Yellow". Hi-lites were done with a mix of XF-60 and Tamiya XF-57 "Buff" of approx 60/40.
9
July 1, 2021
After the primer coat, the road wheels and upper rollers were first sprayed with Tamiya XF-85 "Rubber Black" then the base colour coat of XF-60 was applied with the aid of a generic plastic circle template. The tracks (and spare track pins) were then base coated with Tamiya XF-56 "Metallic Gray". The jack, Jack block and assorted tools will be picked out and painted with a fine brush.
10
July 2, 2021
A random camouflage pattern applied using Tamiya XF-67 "NATO Green" then sealed under a coat of Tamiya X-22 clear gloss, then decals also applied.
11
July 2, 2021
A random camouflage pattern applied using Tamiya XF-67 "NATO Green" then sealed under a coat of Tamiya X-22 clear gloss, then decals also applied.
12
July 2, 2021
Tracks and spare links given a light coat of A.MIG-1002 "Track Wash" using a stippling paint brush, with the excess blotted away using paper towels.
13
July 10, 2021
Tamiya dark brown panel line wash applied to the raised details and recesses, then left for 30 mins to dry, then clean up with a cotton swab moistened with white spirits. Any fluff left behind can be removed with a small blob of blue-tac. Then a final clear coat of Tamiya XF-86 applied to remove the glossy sheen and seal the wash in.
14
July 10, 2021
Tamiya dark brown panel line wash applied to the raised details and recesses, then left for 30 mins to dry, then clean up with a cotton swab moistened with white spirits. Any fluff left behind can be removed with a small blob of blue-tac. Then a final clear coat of Tamiya XF-86 applied to remove the glossy sheen and seal the wash in.
15
July 10, 2021
Tamiya dark brown panel line wash applied to the raised details and recesses, then left for 30 mins to dry, then clean up with a cotton swab moistened with white spirits. Any fluff left behind can be removed with a small blob of blue-tac. Then a final clear coat of Tamiya XF-86 applied to remove the glossy sheen and seal the wash in.
16
July 10, 2021
Tamiya dark brown panel line wash applied to the raised details and recesses, then left for 30 mins to dry, then clean up with a cotton swab moistened with white spirits. Any fluff left behind can be removed with a small blob of blue-tac. Then a final clear coat of Tamiya XF-86 applied to remove the glossy sheen and seal the wash in.
17
July 10, 2021
The same process is applied to the road wheels and upper rollers.
18
July 10, 2021
Additionally, Light gun metal (From Tamiya weathering set "F") is applied to the flat surfaces of both rear idler wheels and chipping applied to the teeth on both drive wheels.
19
July 10, 2021
The oil products and mud textures that I will use to dirty up the lower hull and suspension.
20
July 10, 2021
I use the dark brown oil brusher to apply dots lower down and especially around the suspension components and the dark mud oil brusher higher up. A paintbrush lightly moistened with odorless spirits is used to blend the oil dots into the paintwork and spread it around.
21
July 10, 2021
Similarly, for the mud texture I firstly apply European earth mud, then apply the much darker Russian mud texture lower down only. Take care not to get any of the mud texture on the axels where the road wheels attach to.
22
July 10, 2021
These Vallejo mud texture products are fantastic and come in a variety of different shades and textures. Very simple to use and being an acrylic are water soluble, so clean up is a breeze and any mistakes can be wiped away just using tap water. In addition, they dry very quickly as well. Previously I've used enamel based mud texture products, but they just don't compare with these acrylics at all.
23
July 10, 2021
While the mud dries I begin the chipping process using AK-711 "Chipping Colour". I apply it with a piece of foam (from the type you sometimes receive in packaging of electrical equipment etc) using the "dry sponge" technique. Dip the sponge in the paint and blot away any excess onto a paper towel, and when only a minimum amount of paint is being transferred to the paper you can begin applying it directly to the model. This is a gradual process, and you must go very slowly and gradually build it up to the desired level. I keep a moistened cotton bud handy to wipe away any mishaps or places where I may have gone too heavy.
24
July 10, 2021
With the chipping finished, I check how it looks with the turret mounted and look for anything that needs touching up. For areas that cant be reached using the sponge, I use a very fine paint brush instead.
25
July 10, 2021
With the chipping finished, I check how it looks with the turret mounted and look for anything that needs touching up. For areas that cant be reached using the sponge, I use a very fine paint brush instead.
26
July 10, 2021
With the chipping finished, I check how it looks with the turret mounted and look for anything that needs touching up. For areas that cant be reached using the sponge, I use a very fine paint brush instead.
27
July 10, 2021
With the chipping finished, I check how it looks with the turret mounted and look for anything that needs touching up. For areas that cant be reached using the sponge, I use a very fine paint brush instead.
28
July 10, 2021
With chipping also applied the the hubs on the road wheels, I give the painted rubber areas a light brushing of Grey from Tamiya's weathering master set "E". Any unwanted material on the hubs can be removed later with a cotton bud.
29
July 10, 2021
With chipping also applied the the hubs on the road wheels, I give the painted rubber areas a light brushing of Grey from Tamiya's weathering master set "E". Any unwanted material on the hubs can be removed later with a cotton bud.
30
July 10, 2021
With the road wheels ready to be installed it's time to mount the tracks. My method is to first insert the drive wheel into a track loop ensuring that the track slips all the way over the teeth then secure the wheel into position at the front. This kit uses poly caps to hold the front and rear wheels securely so no glue is required. Also make sure that the track is orientated the right way up!
31
July 10, 2021
I then attach the rear idler wheel the same way, first into the track loop, and then secure it into position on the hull. Make sure that the upper run does not hang below the mounts for the upper rollers, and similarly that the lower run hangs below the suspension arms for the road wheels.
32
July 10, 2021
I then attach all three upper rollers, and secure them in place with glue. Ensure that the guide horn on the track slips between both sets of rollers at each mounting and that the track sits flush with the top of each roller. A wooden tooth pick is quite handy for achieving this.
33
July 10, 2021
Next I attach both the forward and rear most road wheels, which takes up most of the slack on the tracks. On some kits, this can be a very tight fit, but by using this process you shouldn't have to stretch the tracks to fit too much which can ruin the paint work, or worse... snap them! On this kit, while the fit is reasonably tight, you don't have to stretch them at all, and if anything, will still look a little loose which will be remedied later.
34
July 10, 2021
I then install the remaining road wheels alternating between the front and rear until I finish in the middle. Take care to ensure that the guide horns slip between each set of road wheels and that each wheel sits flush with the track. With that side complete, I repeat the process on the other side.
35
July 10, 2021
With both sets of wheels and tracks installed, and with the glue not fully cured/set, I give it a final look over all the way around to ensure the tracks are sitting correctly and that all the road wheels are sitting straight and vertical etc.
36
July 10, 2021
With both sets of wheels and tracks installed, and with the glue not fully cured/set, I give it a final look over all the way around to ensure the tracks are sitting correctly and that all the road wheels are sitting straight and vertical etc.
37
July 10, 2021
I then leave if for a few hours for the glue to properly cure.

The next step will be to try and give the upper runs of track a little sag at the marked positions so that they hang a little more naturally...
38
July 10, 2021
Unfortunately the pics I took of wedging the tracks were out of focus, and I'd removed the wedges before noticing.
Refer to my Panzer III N build if you wish to see what I did: Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.N | Album by Jim C (1:35)
39
July 10, 2021
With the sag on the tracks achieved, I moved on to applying oils on the upper hull and turret. Same colours and process as used around the suspension but cleaned up considerably more with odorless spirits. Final weathering was done with ordinary children's coloured pencils for rain/water marks and assorted scratches. An aerial was scratched together using a length of evergreen 0.5mm plastic rod and painted Tamiya XF-85 rubber black, then everything was given a light dusting of light sienna pigments. Finally the track cleats, turret grab handles and machinegun barrels were highlighted with light gun metal from Tamiya weathering master set "F"
40
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
41
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
42
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
43
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
44
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
45
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
46
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
47
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
48
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
49
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
50
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
51
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
52
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
53
July 11, 2021
Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942
54
July 11, 2021
From left to right... Panzer III Ausf.L (50mm) Panzer III Ausf.N (Short 75mm) Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G (105mm)
55
July 11, 2021
From left to right... Panzer III Ausf.L (50mm) Panzer III Ausf.N (Short 75mm) Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G (105mm)
56
July 11, 2021
From left to right... Panzer III Ausf.L (50mm) Panzer III Ausf.N (Short 75mm) Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G (105mm)

Commentaires

81 30 June 2021, 06:15

James C
Having completed the Ausf.N model and enjoying that build, I decided to make the longer barreled Ausf.L my next project. Assembly is completed and is ready to be broken down for final clean up ahead of a coat of primer on everything.

I'm undecded yet if I will paint it as per the box art or do it in a overall grey scheme as Red 02 of the Herman Goering Division.

30 June 2021, 06:18

Jean-Christophe Zeus
Wow, that was fast! That's Tamiya for you: shake-n-bake. And it looks great!

30 June 2021, 06:43

James C
Thanks mate. Excluding the spaced armour on the front of the turret and main gun assembly; it was nearly identical to the later model Ausf.N that I just completed. It's a small vehicle, and very well engineered as you'd expect from Tamiya (and much more reasonably priced)

Probably only about 8 hours max to assemble, so perfect for a rainy weekend 😉👍

30 June 2021, 18:35

Sebastian Meyner
Following 👍

30 June 2021, 18:39

Kim Branders
I am inn.

30 June 2021, 21:13

Rui
The 'L' is my favourite variant. Watching!

1 July 2021, 00:27

James C
Thanks guys and welcome aboard 🙂

I got everything primered and base coated in Tamiya XF-60 Dark yellow yesterday.
Today I plan on applying the camo pattern and doing the detail paintwork ahead of a coat of clear gloss. Pics to follow.

1 July 2021, 17:27

James C
A little update with paintwork completed and decals applied.
Once they have set and dried properly, I'll seal them under another clear coat then make a start on the weathering process.

2 July 2021, 22:25

Kim Branders
Nice paintjob James 😉

3 July 2021, 15:32

Guy Rump
Looking good James 👍

3 July 2021, 17:41

Murad ÖZER
squiggles are looking very nice James, i didn't want to say anything but i was hoping you'd go with this camo instead of dunkelgrau. 🙂

3 July 2021, 18:39

James C
Thanks Kim, Guy and Murad 🙂

4 July 2021, 16:24

James C
A little more progress made.
I got asked how I deal with the tracks on another build, so I went into a little more detail on how I go about it, and what products I use etc with this build album.

Not far off from completion now 🙂

10 July 2021, 18:02

Bruce Huxtable
Learning lots - many thanks for sharing ?

10 July 2021, 19:05

James C
NP Bruce 🙂

I had a mishap with the pictures I took of applying sag to the tracks being out of focus, and I hadn't transferred them to the PC before moving on with the build unfortunately and didn't realize until this last album update. But, it was the same procedure as I used on the prev Panzer III N build if anyone is curious about what I did etc. (refer link below)

Anyway, I finished it off a little while ago, but its a bit overcast outside at present to take pictures of the finished build, so will save my final comments until the weather clears up a bit.

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.N | Album by Jim C (1:35)

10 July 2021, 23:48

James C
The sun finally came out long enough this afternoon to get some quick outdoor shots.

Having now built two of these Tamiya Panzer III kits, I feel that this particular boxing is better than their more recent release of the Ausf.N version based purely on the overall cost. Both kits are a joy to assemble and present few if any traps to fall into. However with the Ausf.N version that I built previously (which includes a metal barrel for the short 7.5cm main gun and photo etch engine grills) the price of the kit was increased approx $25 - $30 which to me is just absurd.
An aftermarket barrel and photo etch grills can be obtained for far less than that, if only being an inconvenience in having to do so.

In short, a great kit to build that's well worth a look if you don't have it already.

Cheers for following 🙂👍

11 July 2021, 02:53

John
Another excellent panzer!

11 July 2021, 03:02

Kim Branders
Very nice end result and wheathering James. ?

11 July 2021, 05:45

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Very nice job, James. 👍

11 July 2021, 06:39

Guy Rump
Great result James, love the last few photos 👍

11 July 2021, 07:20

Rui S
Another beauty and even better a OOB 👍. Very Nice & well done III collection

11 July 2021, 11:17

Murad ÖZER
Superb, all 3 of them actually.
once again i like the dirt and mud very much and ty for the step by step in the captions re those. 👍👍👍

11 July 2021, 12:04

James C
Many thanks John, Kim< WhiteG, Guy, Rui and Murad. Cheers guys! 🙂

11 July 2021, 15:59

Alex Rodionov
Very nice the model and the collection. ?
Paint job and weathering is fine.

11 July 2021, 18:31

James C
Thanks Alex 🙂

11 July 2021, 23:03

James C
Youtube Video

Youtube Video

11 July 2021, 23:07

Lode Schildermans
James, having had some problems with SCM (posts from mates), I missed a lot these past months. I always liked the panzer III, and this one is why. Congrats with the result

14 July 2021, 04:57

Deltic21
This looks bang on James!! Will definitely be following your example when i get to painting mine. 🙂 A question if i may, looking at how you "wedged" the top of the tracks, does the track sag itself with the wedges in place or does it need encouragement with a thicker wedge to get it to set correctly? It has been suggested that tissue paper is a good way to go?

15 July 2021, 12:02

Spanjaard
Great job James (as always 😉 )

15 July 2021, 12:34

Michael Osadciw
Yeah, that is a great kit. Excellent painting!

15 July 2021, 17:46

James C
Thanks guys 🙂

@ Deltic - The wedges just help the tracks sag over the upper rollers, drive and idler wheels. The tracks themselves are made of a material that can be glued so I just literally glued them into position where the track and wheels made contact. The wedges help obtain the shape etc.

15 July 2021, 21:33

Michael Osadciw
I'll have to try that Vallejo mud stuff out; I really like the way it looked.

15 July 2021, 23:24

Slavo Hazucha
Aah, so you have been building a little Panzer division - nice job on all of them - I'll probably call the IIIN my favorite (close call with the IIIL). Nice job on all of them, picking up the highlights of the respective camo's! And you really are a track expert, they look excellent on all your models 👍

11 August 2021, 07:57

James C
Hehe yeah, I had considered doing the Panther and Tiger 1 next but settled on the M4 instead. Cheers mate 😉

11 August 2021, 18:46

DJ Fajardo
Well done! 👍 I found your build comments helpful!

23 August 2021, 18:12

Rewop
Very nice.

23 August 2021, 21:22

James C
Thanks DJ & Rewop 🙂

28 August 2021, 18:27

Chan Li
an inspiring work

22 November 2021, 02:04

James C
Thanks Chan 🙂

23 November 2021, 01:56

John Ballman
Well done thanks for sharing.
JB

23 November 2021, 06:30

James C
Thanks John 🙂

23 November 2021, 09:11

Andy Heim
Very nice model and very good shading, the details are excellent!
And a perfect weathering.

12 December 2021, 17:44

Guy Rump
Great result James 👍

12 December 2021, 18:26

James C
Thanks Andy & Guy - I'm surprised (pleasantly so) to see this one still being commented on 🙂

12 December 2021, 18:34

AndreasK
Great result James. I picked this kit as my first tank project and was glad to see such detailed instructions in your album. Especially on the weathering part, which is not exactly what I tend to do on airplanes 😉

21 July 2023, 06:02

Mathias Decommere
Very nice!

21 July 2023, 07:16

Neuling
3 well painted and weathered veterans!

21 July 2023, 07:50

James C
Thanks guys 🙂

Not been around much of late due to having recently moved house. Other than the Canberra which is a bit of a right-off with a total nose gear collapse, everything survived the move intact with only a couple of very minor breakages. Have not setup a new modelling area yet, but hopefully wont be too far away and will be back in business. 🙂

21 July 2023, 17:58

Album info

An out of the box build of:

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L
1st Company, s.Pz.Abt. 502
Russia - September 1942

Completed July 11th 2021

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L

56 images

1:35

Terminé

1:35 Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. L (Tamiya 35215)

1:35 Grilles for Pz.Kpfw. III & StuG III (Aber 35G05)

Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L

Wehrmacht Heer (German Army 1935-1945)
s.Pz.Abt. 502 133
Septembre 1942 World War 2»Eastern Front

RAL7028 Dunkelgelb RAL6003 Olivgrün

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