Panzer III Ausf J. Das Werks, 1/16 scale.

[Heavens Eagle]

Old photo trumps new restoration. The kit has it right.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Old photo trumps new restoration. The kit has it right.

The kit has it close for this factory production. In any case, the 'ski jump' curve is missing (shown in the side view) which does seem to get bent down in many photos. A good reason to use the kit part as a pattern to rub lead foil over it and then replicate the thin sheet metal appearance and fragility.

I'm not sure what Jacques Littlefield's team was restoring but their StuG came from Finland. I have lots of photos from that so should check to see if it is a factory or local mod.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Seems like a Finnish local mod to their StuG III as all their examples with the 'warm air guide plate' lack the side bent sheet metal to isolate the exhaust pipes. Littlefield's team added that. @Tim A., the following doesn't apply to the Pz.Kpfw. III but Paul has a StuG.

Paul, @Heavens Eagle, this seems to have been their starting point:

Other Finnish rear ends...

While I'm at it, since I mentioned factories, which mudguard support is in the kit? This determines the other fittings such as tool storage, et cetera.
Truncated rod and sheet metal support-

Stamped metal-

 

[Tim A.]

Apologies but there will be a 3 hour delay as I am watching Jaws with my wife!

We did too. 50 yrs later I didn't have nightmares this time.

 

[Tim A.]

I believe this is my eighth time. I had to stifle my urge of stating the memorable lines... too many!


Back to Panzer Tracts. @Tim A., check out the side view, front to the left, like a ski jump! Obviously, all sheet metal:
View attachment 182300
View attachment 182301

Yes, this is what the kit appears to be replicating.

 

[Tim A.]

Seems like a Finnish local mod to their StuG III as all their examples with the 'warm air guide plate' lack the side bent sheet metal to isolate the exhaust pipes. Littlefield's team added that. @Tim A., the following doesn't apply to the Pz.Kpfw. III but Paul has a StuG.

Paul, @Heavens Eagle, this seems to have been their starting point:
View attachment 182302


Other Finnish rear ends...
View attachment 182303View attachment 182304
View attachment 182305

While I'm at it, since I mentioned factories, which mudguard support is in the kit? This determines the other fittings such as tool storage, et cetera.
Truncated rod and sheet metal support-
View attachment 182307

Stamped metal-
View attachment 182308

The kit supplied the round welded tube hanger.

 

[Tim A.]

With Sharkmouth's research and excellent photos it appears the heatshield sheet metal dilemma has been solved! I almost wish I would've fabricated these pieces out of thinner looking material.
Paul take note. It's fairly hidden under there, but if your feeling spunky....