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

[moon puppy]

Do you recall the 'spoiler' usage?

You mean this?

Spoiler: Or this one?

Or this one?

 

[Tim A.]

View attachment 186920


Read the tiny text!

I'm so gullible and blind but when our resident expert points out my screws are not tightening correctly I listen! I got so quiet the rest of the evening I think my wife thought I must be thinking about other women. I was relieved (after a restless night of sleep, btw) to see that I didn't see the tiny text. Must make tiny text Jitterbug size for old farts

 

[Tim A.]

I'm probably late to the party again, but"
During WWII, Soviet anti-tank rifles like the
PTRD-41 and PTRS-41, along with guns from tanks like the T-34 (e.g., 76mm), could penetrate the Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J, especially at closer ranges or against weaker spots, though the Ausf. J's upgraded frontal armor (up to 50mm) offered better protection than earlier Pz III models, particularly against British 2-pounders, but remained vulnerable to the more powerful Soviet 45mm anti-tank guns and larger caliber tank guns, forcing reliance on flanking and mobility over direct confrontation.

Soviet Weaponry vs. Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J

• Anti-Tank Rifles (AT Rifles): The ubiquitous Soviet 14.5mm PTRD-41 and PTRS-41 were a significant threat, capable of penetrating the Pz III's hull and turret at combat ranges, causing serious damage and crew casualties.
• 45mm Guns: The 45mm M-42 anti-tank gun, common on Soviet light tanks (like the T-70) and early T-34s, could also penetrate the Pz III's frontal armor, especially at longer distances or on hull sides and rear.
• 76mm Guns: Early T-34s armed with the 76mm F-34 gun posed a serious threat, easily punching through the Pz III's armor, making direct engagements unfavorable for the German tank.

Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J's Strengths & Weaknesses

• Upgraded Armor: The Ausf. J featured thicker frontal hull armor (up to 50mm), offering good protection against earlier Allied guns, but it wasn't enough for the better-armed Soviets.
• Long 5cm Gun (5 cm KwK 39 L/60): This was a capable gun, but its penetration struggled against the sloping frontal armor of the T-34, making flanking tactics essential.

Combat Effectiveness

• While the Ausf. J was an improvement, its performance against Soviet armor quickly became challenging, especially after the introduction of sloped armor on the T-34. German crews often relied on superior tactics, optics, and mobility to outmaneuver opponents rather than slugging it out frontally. "

Good Info James. I've been trying to read up on the PIII and yes, the Russian tanks gave them sleepless nights. I've also read the added weight of the Vorpanzer plate on the mantlet caused some issues with elevating the gun.