Action figures to go with my Pz III

David Makaras · Post by **David Makaras** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:27 am

Hi Guys...

I haven't had as much fun as this for a very long time.
I'm in the process of acquiring action figures suitable for my tank "diorama".

I am having a difficult (but enjoyable) time deciding which way to go.
Either an early war period with a German grey colour scheme...
Or a DAK setting.

I haven't even started researching the "L" model yet. (Hoping to hear some of the accumulated wisdom in tandem on this forum).

I already have one candidate figure in the form of Rudi Messner for the panzer grey theme.

And I have ordered a spectacular DAK figure from the "Soldier Story" line.

If I win lotto I could buy another Pz III and solve the problem that way!

I understand that many here are into authenticity in a very big way and would be interested to hear of any reason why these 2 action figures may not be the most appropriate choice and would appreciate any suggestions.

Cheers...

Stephen White · Post by **Stephen White** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:59 am

David

The only DAK panzer figure in the Cyber Model range is "Horst Lerner" who would be ideal as a tank commander.

There are a few others in non-panzer roles such as "Fritz Moosmuller" (a Press Correspondent) and "Elmo Freytag" a heavy machine gunner from the Tunisian campaign in 1943, which would fit well with the Pz III L. These models are often quite difficult to find in UK - Lee Sellars has the best supply as do a company called Modeller's Loft.

As to which model of Pz III, although the basic hull design remained much the same throughout, there is a very distinct break point with the Ausfuehrung J. From then on, the turret changed significantly as did the suspension and the hull detailing. Since the Armortek model is based on the L model, I would hesitate to try to do the early models unless you really didn't mind the lack of accuracy.

Hope that helps.

Regards

Stephen

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 8:11 am

If you think we're fussy about details on these vehicles then you're in for a surprise with the figures

The Ausf L Panzer III was introduced in 1942, so it's not really an "Early" war vehicle - Poland, Fall of France, that kind of timescale. Ideal for Operation Barbarossa though, I would have thought.

The Soldier Story figure is sold as "Cyrenaica 1941", so is a good match.

Dragon's "Horst Lerner" is sold as a 21st Panzer crew member from the Libyan campaign, so it might be interesting to compare the uniform with your DAK figure.

Adrian.

Antony Rowley · Post by **Antony Rowley** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 8:25 am

Hi David,

I too have ordered the new Soldier Story DAK figure and I'm keeping my eye out for his goggles seperately to add to my existing figures. My Panzer III is going to be from the 21st Pz Div so Horst Lerner is ideal.

I've also collected a few In The Past Figures that I have stripped and re-dressed my Animatronic crew in. I particluarly like the pink piping on the uniform and the fact they are a bit different.

The ITPT figures are mainly available on ebay but sometimes the postage is restrictive. Below are a couple that are on now but just keep looking especially on ebay.com as they are usually cheaper there.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ITPT-WWII-TIPO-DR ... 56370c77ae

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Panzer-Regiment-5 ... 53d866e280

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Panzer-Division-O ... 53d866ed24

Thanks Antony

David Makaras · Post by **David Makaras** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:37 am

Hi Stephen,

Horst is a good looking action figure and I will chase him up.

Quite a while ago I was after Elmo with no success. Might give it another try.

Thanx for the suggestions...

Cheers...

David Makaras · Post by **David Makaras** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:50 am

Hi Adrian,

I have a particular interest in the beginning of WWII. In no way am I disappointed in the Pz III L, though it would have been nice to have the early version. I guess it is simply a case of waiting for Armortek to bring out the PZ I or II next after the Comet.

The DAK Soldier Story figure is perfect with the PZ III. But obviously not as the commander/crew.

Horst it seems to be, not that I expect many left out there to buy without adopting a mortgage.

Thanx for the suggestions,

Cheers...

David Makaras · Post by **David Makaras** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:55 am

Hi Antony,

I looks very likely that we will be in the same panzer division. Watch my 6 and I'll watch yours...

Thanx for the links. How does the quality of the In The Past Figures compare to Dragon and Soldier Story?

Cheers...

Bradley A Smith · Post by **Bradley A Smith** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 1:45 pm

Hi David, with the Panzer III's . Late Panzerâ€™s III J would be fairly easy to model the rear deck, the biggest think on the M is of course the exhaust and the N is a mixture with the short 75mm gun. did you know a few Nâ€™s were sent with the Tiger 1 â€˜s to Tunisia in late November from the 501schwere Panzerabteilung and went into action on 1 December 1942.
Possum

Dale jordan · Post by **Dale jordan** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:45 pm

I found this one today . How would he go as a tank rider on the back of my DAK PZIII N . At this rate we are going to have a good turn out of DAK panzer downunder .. Dale

David Makaras · Post by **David Makaras** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 11:56 pm

I am not sure if long pants come with that kit. The shorts expose some very knobbly knees if I remember correcty...

David Makaras · Post by **David Makaras** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:01 am

Hi Brad,

Thx for the info. I will give it some consideration. At this stage a DAK diorama is definitely in the making.

Cheers...

leesellars · Post by **leesellars** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 10:58 pm

Hello David

On the Action figure side the best one is Horst Learner. Although he is like rocking horse poo to get hold of now. But you might get lucky.
I had 24 of them before Armortek bought the PZ III But now are out of stock.
The other way around it Might be to scan arround and pick Horsts uniform up individually and make a Special.

Lee

Antony Rowley · Post by **Antony Rowley** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:14 pm

Here's one and not a bad price. He's good but not as good as Hans Von Luck, now he is very hard to get.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dragon-12-WWII-Ho ... 5ad500c355

Thanks Antony

David Makaras · Post by **David Makaras** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:44 pm

Hi Lee,

Dale found Horst Lerner for me. (Thx m8). I haven't received a phone call so it looks as tho it was in stock and is being sent.

Yes it was a small nightmare looking for that elusive Kraut...Partly because some places (amazon.com, for example) wouldn't allow me to buy at their site. (What is the deal with that?)

I have started to buy loose uniforms (I have a number of panzer caps coming my way and yes have seen the "Horst cap" in my travels.)

What this episode has taught me is that if you snooze, you might very easily loose...I don't muck around these days since some products go very quickly.

So what German panzer figure should I get (before it is sold out) to go with a captured Comet tank? <Joke>

Dragon might be on a winner if they bring out another DAK panzer action figure or two.

Cheers...

David Makaras · Post by **David Makaras** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:48 pm

Thx, Antony,

It might be an investment for someone to pick up a spare Horst (with no name)

------------------

Antony Rowley wrote:Here's one and not a bad price. He's good but not as good as Hans Von Luck, now he is very hard to get.

Thanks Antony

Perhaps he should be renamed: Hans Von No-Luck!