Attack 1/72 Panzer III Ausf.G By Michael Benolkin

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.G entered production, initially with a 37mm main gun, but the majority of this series would be armed with the 50mm main gun. 600 examples were built between mid 1940 and early 1941 before the next series of improvements would be ready to inject into the production line. The Panzer III Ausf.G would see distinguished service in Russia as well as in North Africa.

The Kit

The Attack Hobby Kits' 1/72 Panzer III Ausf.G kit is molded in light gray styrene and features some beautifully cast details throughout the kit. While not a complex kit, it will become quickly obvious just how much detail is present once the completed model has been weathered and dry-brushed!

One feature that I espectially like are the molded track sections. Rather than include rubberband track, this model features sections of track and individual links only around the drive sprocket and return wheel.

Assembly should be quick and painless with the majority of time will be spent cleaning up the tree attachment points, and these are minimal.

Markings are provided for two examples: Russian front circa 1941, and DAK (Afrika Korps) circa 1942.

Conclusions

This is a nice-looking kit that will appeal to 1/72 armor modelers of all skill levels. Recommended!

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!