Airfix A1378 Classic Kit Panzer III Ausf J Tank 1/35

Classic Kit Tank A1378 - Panzer III AUSF J (1:35) is a 1/35-scale plastic military vehicle model kit from Airfix. It is suitable for building a collector’s model, a display piece, or a themed diorama.

Tank model kit for assembly. Scale: 1:35; 16 cm.

Manufacturer’s Information

Tank model kit. Scale: 1:35; 16 cm.
Information about the original and the model:
The Panzer III Ausf. J (model) was a later production variant of this famous tank. It represented a significant improvement over earlier models. The slightly redesigned hull allowed for increased armor protection, and the new gun mantlet enabled the installation of a more powerful 50mm KwK 38 L42 cannon.

The Panzer III, one of the most famous tanks of World War II, was available in only relatively small numbers at the time of the German invasion of Poland. The faster and lighter Panzer I and II tanks were more numerous, while they were supplemented by only about 180 Panzer IIIs. Despite the widespread misconception that Germany had invested heavily in tank production before the war began, the burden of the early stages of the mechanized Blitzkrieg was borne largely by these smaller, lighter tanks and captured vehicles put into service by the Wehrmacht.

The Panzer III Ausf. (model) J was a later production variant of this famous tank, representing a significant improvement over earlier models. Minor modifications to the hull allowed for the use of better armor, and a new gun mantlet enabled the installation of a more powerful 50mm KwK 38 L42 cannon. However, the development of these modifications took too long. By the time this variant entered service with tank divisions on the Eastern Front, it was already struggling to cope with the heavily armed Soviet KV-1 and T-34 tanks it faced there, and, moreover, the internal ammunition capacity was reduced from 90 to 84 rounds due to the larger ammunition used by the new gun. Although the Ausf. J was the most numerous variant of this famous tank, by 1943 the Panzer III had already been outclassed on the battlefield and was no longer produced as a tank. However, its chassis continued to be used for the production of the excellent Sturmgeschütz III assault guns/tank destroyers.

Recommended colors (Humbrol):
-

Model details:
Scale: 1:35
Length: 160 mm
Width: 83 mm
Height: 75 mm
Difficulty: 3
Flying Hours Points: 3

Recommended for children ages 8 and up.

Warning: Choking hazard! This product contains small parts. NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OF AGE!

Assembly Recommendations

• Use a suitable model glue to glue the parts together.
• We recommend model paints and fine brushes to finish the model.
• Model-making tools are useful for precise finishing of the parts.