Panzer III/KT Parts - Split hatch pics added

[Jim Fowler]

Well, it appears that Mike from 6thScaleIcons will offer grills, so that issue resolved. Although Derek's suggestion is a good one for those who want to make them.

But, in looking at the details I think we need to ask Dave and Armorpax to look into make us a horn?

Also, in my research I found that there should be 2 toolboxes on Ausf F-N.

The toolbox that comes mounted on the driver's side middle, the track tool box, appears to be a solind mass - is it?

The missing toolbox, that would be mounted to the gunner's side front is/was a smaller, general purpose tool box as I understand.

Anyway, it sure would be nice to have real boxes that can hold tools and such....hint, hint.....

I know, I am shameless, wanting to buy instead of make. But, some folks are way better at it than I.......at least consider that horn - every P3 had one...

[David Lee]

I know, I am shameless, wanting to buy instead of make.

First I apologize for the OT.

No such thing as shame in this hobby as long as we are honest. Not all hobbist in 1/35 scale modelling scratch build, well... I don't as far as I can remember

But I am making a first attempt to scratch build a 1/6 Metal Opel door in december since the one that came with the truck is out of alignment.

[David Lee]

Hi Jim,
We normally only use resin where it is not possible to get the detail in metal or the section is too large to make it practical due to shrinking and dishing. Whilst I understand the desire for all metal parts I still think it is best to use a material that gives the best results/detail and often that means a mixture of resin and metal.
Dave

Hi Dave,

Thank you for the reply.

As I only had bought metal accessories from you. I am not familiar with the level of detail in your resin parts. Is the level of detail that you are referring to higher than the white metal miniatures from "GamesWorkshop" Warhammer series?

[Dave Dibb (Armorpax)]

Is the level of detail that you are referring to higher than the white metal miniatures from "GamesWorkshop" Warhammer series?

Hi David,

No idea

Dave

[Jim Fowler]

The question of metal vs. resin parts is not really too big a consideration for me when we are talking general detailing items - like a horn for example (another hint) a resin part would most likely yeild greater detail.

I sort of have the philosophy that folks like Dave at Armorpax have a lot more experience in producing parts, knowing what will sell, and standing behind what they make. So, generally, I will yeild to them on this.

I like metal parts naturally; but, if making it out of metal is not efficient - whether in detail or cost - why?

I like the concept of "the all-metal" tank; but, I won't get "carried-away" with the concept.

So, Dave, please choose the material you see as best for making the Panzer III horn (another shameless hint that we need one) and I will stick to buying one.......

[Tim Bowman]

Here's a detail photo of the mesh covers on a Stug III for anyone interested.





Regards
Tim

[Dave Dibb (Armorpax)]

Hi All,

I have received the cupola through from Mark and Gill and will make a start on the split hatch in the next few days. I will make the hatch to fit the cupola which will mean a small amount of artistic licence on the locks in order to fit the opening. For those that wish to use a single piece hatch we already have one available as shown below, in order for the locking handles to clear the cupola the hatch opening would need increasing slightly.

The one piece hatch is £24.95 and includes the vane for the commanders emergency sight. I expect the split hatch to be around the same price.




I have been roughing out the vision ports and have shown one below with the existing cone heads from our door sets.



I have ordered a copy of Achtung Panzer 2 to complete my set and with the details you have already provided I should be able to get the deck hooks mastered fairly quickly.

Thanks for all the replies and pics.

Best regards

Dave

[Dave Dibb (Armorpax)]

So, Dave, please choose the material you see as best for making the Panzer III horn (another shameless hint that we need one) and I will stick to buying one.......

Jim,

It might be worth checking Steve Hoegers "Panzerwerk" site when he re-opens after filming as I believe he may already do a German tank horn?

Cheers

Dave

[colin fairweather]

hi dave

he does and mighty fine detail they are too

regards

colin

[Jim Fowler]

Dave,

We need to talk......and this is probably and totally my oversight.

There are actually 2 different sets of vision ports possibly needed for the Panzer III - one set for the hull (gunner and MG operator) and then another set for the turret (but only for Ausf J versions and before). For simplicity I would like to call them "set H" for the hull and "set T" for the turret.

The prototype you show seems flat-faced and would be a good possible offering for "set T"; but, not for "set H".

I think you should wait and get the Achtung Panzer #2 and then reassess your prototype or make another for use as "set H". I make this suggestion because it appears your prototype does not have the subtle, multiple surface plains that should be there; and, appears a bit thin (this all could be me, so if I am all wet, then please let me know - I do understand I may be missing it - being in primer and all Or, maybe the multiple surface plains are there, but just to subtle????).

The thing that I also need to say is that you could offer both, but you only need to offer a "set H" as sometime "set T" had the same multiple surface plains and then sometime was flat-faced. But, I have never seen the "set H" as flat-faced. I am sure it was something with the part manufacture - different suppliers or such.

If the above has totally confused you - I am sorry, its sometime very hard to convey these things in words - but, a look through Achtung Panzer #2 should make the point visually.

The Achtung Panzer #2 has good line drawing that convey those surfaces very well.

UPDATE: The more I look at that picture, they may be there - if so, I am sorry. Can I ask for another picture of the vision port?

[Dave Dibb (Armorpax)]

Hi Jim,

Don't worry, when the sets are fully mastered you will have the vision blocks for the turrets with the slot around 2/3 of the way down and the more defined profile and the finished version of the one shown that will be for the later marks and also for the hull sides. They will be sold in pairs so you can mix and match depending on which variant you go for. It was exactly the same on the Panzer IV with the early turrets having the more pronounced turret vision block.

Cheers

Dave

[Lawrence Godson]

Dave, Please put me down for the split Pzkw III hatch and "L" model vision ports.. I will try to keep track of when they are ready for purchase
Thanks

[Lawrence Godson]

Also add the turret side hatch details please.
Thanks

[Dave Dibb (Armorpax)]

Hi All,

I finished the masters today for the split hatch and these will be going off to my caster this coming week to have production moulds made. I will let you know when they are available for purchase. All you will need to do to fit them to the Armortek Cupola is drill 4 holes for the White metal Hinge bolts. For those that wish for a more permanent fixing you can replace the dummy hinge bolts and tap the holes.









I am now working on the masters for the lifting hooks and Vision ports and will post pics when they are done. I will also be adding the late version hook pictured below for those who want to build an "M" or "N"



Best regards

Dave

[Dale jordan]

Nice work as allway Dave ... I think you are getting better with age . Dale