Takom 1/16 scale Panzer III Ausf N DAK

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey all 

  I'm getting ready to start a new build. It's the Takom 1/16 Panzer III Ausf J that I'm converting into a Ausf N. 

I'm kinda in the planning stage, you know figuring out the build sequence I want to use, that kinda stuff. I have a few reference books and pictures. This will be going in a North African, Tunisian diorama along with the Tiger and a Tamiya Kubelwagon.

 Well that's it, I'll be back when I actually get started on the build. Later

Ron G 

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey all 

 Ok here's the start of a new project. I have step 1 done. I also modified the return rollers so that they can spin.

This is step 1.

Step 1 done.

This view shows the return roller parts, at least some of them. I  added the white plastic rod to the return roller mounting bracket. I drilled out the wheels. The white tube on the bottom left is a kinda poly cap, my version.

This view shows the parts assembled.

This view shows the outer return roller on the assembly.

This view shows all six of the return rollers. I need to paint all of  these before I can attach them to the hull. Well that's it for now be back with more updates soon.

Ron G 

[belugawhaleman]

I've got this kit....will definitely be watching this!

Great idea to make the return rollers workable.

[CrankyCrafstman]

2 minutes ago, belugawhaleman said:

I've got this kit....will definitely be watching this!

Great idea to make the return rollers workable.

Hey Paul 

 Actually it was pretty easy. You can do it, no problem.

Ron G 

[BlrwestSiR]

Great start and nice idea on making the return rollers workable. 

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey guys 

  I got some more work done on the Panzer III. 

Steps 2 and  3 done.

Steps 2 and 3, note the open escape hatches on each side. I drilled out the hinges and added some brass pins.

Steps 4 and  5 done.

Step 6 done.

Right side view of the suspension.

Left side view of the suspension.

This view shows the modifications I needed to do to convert the turret into an Ausf N. I filled in the hole, no vision port here anymore.

This view shows the other side. I have a somewhat front hull interior on order from AFV Modeller so that there will be something in the hull when you open the front hatches.

 Well that's it for now be back soon.

Ron G 

[CrankyCrafstman]

Thanks guys 

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey all 

 Got some more work done on the Panzer III.

I now have the sprockets and idler wheels installed, I temporarily attached the return rollers for this picture.

This view shows some preliminary painting done to facilitate assembly.

Same thing from the bottom.

This view shows a section of the track assembled. Because I modified them with a pin. I can attach the rest of the tracks to either side and the pin will allow for disassembly.

This view shows the modifications I did. I drilled out two links so that I could but in a brass pin, this will allow me to attach & remove the tracks once I have them painted & weathered. Well that's it for now be back soon.

Ron G 

[CrankyCrafstman]

Thanks guys 

[belugawhaleman]

On 9/22/2023 at 6:01 PM, CrankyCrafstman said:

Hey all 

 Got some more work done on the Panzer III.

I now have the sprockets and idler wheels installed, I temporarily attached the return rollers for this picture.

This view shows some preliminary painting done to facilitate assembly.

Same thing from the bottom.

This view shows a section of the track assembled. Because I modified them with a pin. I can attach the rest of the tracks to either side and the pin will allow for disassembly.

This view shows the modifications I did. I drilled out two links so that I could but in a brass pin, this will allow me to attach & remove the tracks once I have them painted & weathered. Well that's it for now be back soon.

Ron G 

Good idea on the track pin, Ron. I also have the big Das Werk stug. This

will work on both kits. I was debating putting on the suspension last

when I build these kits....worried about it being damaged from handling.

Pre-painting the back end of the tank also a smart idea.

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey Paul 

  I know that the tiger suspension arms kept me on pins and needles, l would keep hooking them on everything. So far the Panzer III's not to bad. I think I'm probably going to be gluing them in place, they sit way to low, same as the Tiger.🤬

Ron G 

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey all 

 Well the interior peices from AFV Modeler showed up today. They took alot of clean up but they look really cool. I'm not going as far as I did with the Tiger, just enough so when you open the front hatches there's something there. The seat on the top left is from a Panzer IV and I'm using it for the radio operators seat.

This view shows the parts from AFV Modeler. I forgot to take pictures of the individual parts. Soory.

This view shows the parts in the hull. I'm going to scratch up a floor and tunnel for the transmission.

Same thing from the drivers side.

This is a view looking forward from inside the tank.

This picture shows the view through the front hatches. Well that's it for now be back soon with more updates.

Ron G 

[FullArmor]

Looking good

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey all 

  Got some more work done on the Panzer today.

This view shows the radios temporarily installed in the hull.

This view shows the radios. I took these from my Panzer IV Ausf H I'll replace them when I get back on building it.

This view shows the scratch built radio mounting brackets.

Another view of the same thing.

This view shows the floor plates and the transmitter radio.

This view shows the floor plates and the transmission tunnel and modified firewall.

Another view of the interior. Well that's it for now be back soon with more updates.

Ron G 

[BlrwestSiR]

Great work Ron. Looking at the hatches, it's hard to believe the crew were expected to enter and exit through them over the transmission housing. 

 

[CrankyCrafstman]

52 minutes ago, BlrwestSiR said:

Great work Ron. Looking at the hatches, it's hard to believe the crew were expected to enter and exit through them over the transmission housing. 

 

Hey Carl

 Actually the driver and radio operator entered through the turret hatches. They had to crawl down into there seats.

  There's a video on YouTube by the "Cheften" of the Bovingtons Panzer iii of the 5 different positions in the Panzer iii, have a look it's pretty interesting.

Ron G 

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey all 

  Small update for you to look at 

This view shows the seats in place temporarily. It also shows the reworked pipes that exhaust the heat from the steering brakes.

This view shows pipe on the drivers side.

This view shows the parts in place temporarily. I still need to make the ammo bin on the radio operators side. I'm just making shapes so when I paint them and you look through the hatches you will be able to see something, instead of an empty hull.

Ron G 

[belugawhaleman]

Great work, Ron! I was looking at that AFV detail

kit myself.... I see you got the last One! Anyway, they

also got the Ammo rack for the StuG...but I don't

think that would be too hard to scratch build. I'm

glad that your doing this build.... I'm looking forward

to building mine....It's an inspiration thing. Presently, I'm

Hung up on a 1/35 Brummbar right now ...got to do the

cammo then I'm done. Will be watching your build.

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey all 

  More work done on the Panzer III Ausf N. I have the interior painted.

This view shows the mostly complete interior.

Same thing from the other side.

View looking forward at the drive mechanism. I see there's a spot that I missed while painting. I'll get it tomorrow.

This view shows the firewall and ammo bins. On the left behind the radio operators seat mounted to the hull side are the radio transformers.

This view shows the hand painted gauges 

This view shows the two receiver's and the transmitter. I sfill have alot of detail painting to do yet. Well that's it for now be back soon with more updates.

Ron G 

[CrankyCrafstman]

Thanks guys 

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey all 

  Some more work done on the Panzer III Ausf N.

It's starting to look like a Panzer III Ausf N.

This view shows some detail painting done.

This view shows the two receivers mounted to the roof. I still need to paint this area.

This view shows the transmitter mounted to the under side of the glacises plate. That's it for now be back soon with more.

Ron G 

[BlrwestSiR]

Some great work there Ron. 

I watched the Chieftain video you mentioned and saw how the crew got into the tank. Thanks for the recommendation.

[CrankyCrafstman]

9 hours ago, BlrwestSiR said:

Some great work there Ron. 

I watched the Chieftain video you mentioned and saw how the crew got into the tank. Thanks for the recommendation.

Hey Carl 

  Neat video, but I wouldn't want to be the driver or radio operator if the tank caught on fire...lol

[CrankyCrafstman]

Hey all 

  I switched things up the last few days. I decided to paint the three figures that I'm going to use for this tank.

This view shows the three figures in there positions in the turret.

This is the commander figure.

This is a close up of his face.

This is the gunner figure.

This is a close up of his face

This is the loader figure.

This is a close up of his face

This picture is all three figures. I still have to do a little more blending and coloer modulation to them, plus a coat of flat clear and some washes. Well that's it for now be back soon with more.

Ron G 

[Jbert27]

Very nice work, been watching your build threads with lots of interest