Panzer III Ausf. H (Late Production of DAK)

The first batch of Pz. III Ausf. H which affiliated to 15 Pz. Div. launched Libya in April 1941.

The vehicle numbered 632 was one of modelling alternatives for Dragon 6642. 

The same vehicle 632 from another shooting angle.

At the beginning stage of African campaign, most of vehicles from 15 Pz. Div. chose to paint their rubber tires in white color. 

Pz. III Ausf. H numbered 624 during the Operation of Crusader in mid Nov. 1941. Not far from this Pz. III, a destroyed British vehicle was still burning. 

Vehicle 631 which was destroyed during the Operation of Crusader in late 1941.

DAK lost most of their armored vehicles in last two months of 1941. Majority of Pz. III G and H’s were then replaced by more advanced Pz. III J in early 1942. 

The wreck of Pz. III H from 6th Kp. of 8 Rgt..

Again, this vehicle was probably destroyed by British in the Operation of Crusader. 

Pz. III H numbered 100 from the headquarter of 15 Pz. Div. was fully damaged in Nov. 1941. We could also see a wreck Pz. III G in this photo. 

Same vehicle as the previous photo. Here we could see the engine at rear of vehicle. Two British soldiers were inspecting the tent and many repairing tools and turret stowage bin were on the ground.

It seemed German gave up this repairing station, because of they retreated in Nov. 1941. Many other damaged vehicles in the station were also abandoned. 

A Pz. III H from 1st Kp. of 8 Rgt., but its detailed tactical number was too blurry to figure out in the photo.

The picture should be taken sometime in either early or mid 1941. We could also see a Pz, III F with upgraded 50mm barrel behind this Pz. III H.

Some features of Pz. III from 15 Pz. Div. could be easily recognized: such as jerrycan case on the right front fender and some metal racks on rear hull of vehicle; in addition, the spare road wheels were placed on both sides of rear fender. 

Another Pz. III H from 1st Kp. of 8 Rgt.. 

A Pz. III H from 1st Kp. observed the battlefield. 

Pz. III H with some spare tracks hung on the both sides of turret. There was no tactical number or divisional insignia could be seen on this vehicle, but it seemed a capital ‘R’ was painted on side of turret under the spare tracks which indicated this vehicle was one of members from regiment headquarter. Moreover, it should also be one of members from 15 Pz. Div. due to its special feature (e.g. Jerrycan case on fender). 

Pz. III H from headquarter of 8th regiment.

In this photo, we can clearly see the capital ‘R‘ on side of turret and the triangle insignia on the left of driver’s vision port. 

The Pz. III H from 5th Kp. of 8 Rgt.. Again, jerrycan case and spare road wheel could be found on right fender. 

A Pz. III H from 8 Rgt. with a huge canvas covered on its mantlet. Any manufacturer would like to introduce this format by resin part? 

The wreck of Pz. III H was surpassed by a British armored vehicle. Its lower structure was damaged and still burning. 

A Pz. III H affiliated to 2nd Kp. of 8 Rgt. was unloaded from the cargo ship.  

The Pz. III Ausf. H from 2nd Kp. in beginning stage of African campaign.

In early 1941, the insignia of 8th Regiment was still painted on turret bin; while later especially in 1942, this insignia was omitted and no longer painted on most of vehicles. 

A Pz. III H from 2nd Kp. was speeding on the desert.

Maybe this photo was the original inspiration for boxart of Dragon 6642. 

The boxart of Dragon 6642, one of my favorite military art paintings. 

The lower hull & upper structure have been done. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start on the turret. 

 

 

The simplified 50mm cannon. 

Cupola was done. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost complete. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add some accessories and make a little modification. 

 

 

 

 

The construction of vehicle was done, a diorama will be started shortly. 

 

 

 

 

 

RAL8000 + RAL7008 versus RAL8020 + RAL7027