WANTED: Panzer III Hull escape hatches

[Oli Dainton]

These are no longer included in the Panzer III kit. Has anyone got any spare after removing from previous kit?

Or maybe know someone who makes them?

[Pete Nash]

I'd be interested in a pair as well Oli.

However, according to the Haynes manual and Wikipedia the hull escape hatches were not fitted to late production Ausf 'L' Panzer IIIs to make it easier and quicker to manufacture.
So, currently that bis the direction I am going with 006.

Pete

[Oli Dainton]

Hi Pete, seems there are even Ns that have them so I guess it comes down to the preferred look of model rather than a hard and fast rule.

Do you have any idea about the square fender brackets? I can’t seem to find any images of that kind of bracket on any variant?

All seem to have the round rod on top, I’m keen to get those too.

[Stephen White]

Gentlemen

The sponson support brackets is easy - all of them had a circular section. The kit has a square section for ease of manufacture but it's not difficult to modify them with simple hand tools.

The escape hatches (Seitenaussteigklappen) were deleted from June 1942 with the introduction of the simplified hull (Einfache Panzerwanne). This also included straight angle iron sections at the top of the hull sides for securing the superstructure. The previous versions were scalloped.

The simplified hull was introduced piecemeal during the production run of the Ausfuehrung L tanks. The first tanks from Alkett were completed in June 1942 and from MAN in July. From October 1942, all L models were built with the simplified hull. Since production of the Ausfuehrung N overlapped the previous model from July 1942, the gradual introduction of the simplified hull mirrored that of the L ie some early N models had escape hatches.

To make is simple, most Ls had escape hatches and most N's didn't.

I built an N without, so after TankFest, I'll look to see if I still have parts left.

Stephen

[Oli Dainton]

Thanks for comprehensive response Stephen.

Are all the Armortek Panzer III sporting owner modified brackets then? Never saw any mention of that in any of the build threads - perhaps you mean going forward they are square but can be modified?

Would be great if you could have a look for hatches when you get a chance thanks.

[David Brady]

Hi,

I've sent you a PM Oli

Cheers

[Stephen White]

Oli

Many of us chose to replace the kit parts with some really excellent aftermarket parts by Steve Winstone. See my Pz III Ausf N build thread here:

http://www.armortek.co.uk/Forum3b/viewt ... &start=120

http://www.armortek.co.uk/Forum3b/viewt ... &start=210

I don't believe they're available now but you could ask. They would be possible to make from brass if you can solder.

I've got a few bits and pieces over from my build, including a detailed 3D printed cupola and a number of custom parts I made in resin. After TankFest, I can look them out if you're interested. I also have the moulds for some parts and could probably run off some more. Have a look at my build thread to see what I made.

Stephen

[Oli Dainton]

Stephen, I must have been through every page of your build thread twice, just missed that comment re Steve’s brackets. Will ask him but plan to learn to solder for the variety of catches and details elsewhere so might try adding these to that list.

[Oli Dainton]

Monique and Kian have sorted me out with these parts now.