German command tank markings

[Jeff the 57th]

Hi, sorry if this is a stupid question but German armour typically isn't my thing.

I've got a panzer III J command tank sitting in the stash that I might build next, but have a question about the markings.

I'm considering one of the following two schemes.



There is just something about the mystique of the famous "Unidentified Unit, Russia 1943".

The 1st option has zero markings and the 2nd option only wears a balkenkreuz. Would command tanks typically be light on unit or divisional markings or is Dragon just telling me to do my own damn research?

Thanks for your help.

Jeff

[wbill76]

The reason they are light on markings and get the 'unidentified' unit designation is due to either 1) Dragon invented them and they don't really exist or 2) Dragon based them off a photo that didn't include enough information or other photos showing unit designations to be able to ID them as belonging to a specific unit.

Command tanks were assigned to the Panzer units as part of their regular order of battle, so they would be marked essentially the same as the other vehicles in the unit including tactical designations, balkenkreuze, turret numbers, etc. HTH!

[Jeff the 57th]

Perfect!  

Glad I checked in on this, even though I was a little excited at the possibility of completing a build without having to use a single decal.

It seemed really unlikely that they'd be running around naked marking wise, but I'll be the first to admit that I don't know a lot about German armour.  But now I know a little more.

Thanks for the info.

Jeff

[panzerjager2]

Speaking for me, the answer is two fold.

1. Most units, by the summer of 1943 would have a complete series of tactical insignia present on almost every vehicle. Especially on a vehicle such as a Mark III. The major exceptions for the Kursk offensive would be for units accepting new vehicles such as Panthers or Hummels and the like.
2. So that on the surface would suggest that Dragon is just, "shucking and jiving" you.  (hard to believe a manufacturer would do that....LOL)
3. Now, much like anything else, it's completely up to you. I have seen photos where the camera angel, or weathering has obscured the tactical insignia. I personally am working on a build where the only insignia is the balkenkreuz plus the 3 digit numbering which  indicates  the vehicles status. All that means, build what you wish. Please don't worry about the RIVET COUNTERS. 

Hope that helps

[Jeff the 57th]

Thanks for the help.

I think I might source out the complete vehicle set from Archer for an ausf J at Kharkov. Been wanting to give a winter build a since I've yet to see real snow this year. I couldn't possibly be missing it.

Jeff