1/35 Panzer III Duel Build (Dragon/RFM)

[hasenpfeffer]

So, like any good modeler, I decided to start building that MiniArt Panzer IV when I was already working on this mess. A Dragon Imperial Kit Ausf. H, a Dragon Smart Kit Ausf. H and a RFM Ausf. J (no interior). I started these really to see the difference in kit detail. It is pretty obvious to anyone who has built an old Imperial kit that this is the one that would bring up the rear. So it was really to see the differences in the latter 2 kits. I will say though, as rough as the Imperial kits are, they still build up into decent looking models. If you add any extras/aftermarket here and there especially.

Having the majority of the main construction finished at this point, I will just hit on some of the highlights here and there. If you have any specific questions about anything, just ask!

So, my plan from the start was to make the Imperial one from Pz.Rgt 8, 15th PD DAK, the Smart kit a winter whitewash vehicle from Pz.Rgt 35 in Russia and the RFM from 24th PD in Stalingrad Fall 1942.

Basic construction of the lower hull/suspension and road wheels. I would say you can get a rough estimate of the level of detail from this photo. Pretty much as described previously with the Smart kit and RFM for the most part on par.


Smart Kit and Imperial. Imperial kit got an old Jordi Rubio metal barrel I had in the stash, along with better turret lift hooks. I gave the Smart Kit magic tracks to the Imperial kit as well. I purchased another set of RFM indi tracks for the Smart Kit as I was very impressed with the finish and how they went together. I'd say, some of the best tracks I've ever worked with. Honestly.


Main construction of the RFM. A bit of scratch work for the rear stowage box seen on most, if not all, of the 24th PD Pz IIIs around Stalingrad at the time.


All 3 a little earlier - but pretty much ready for paint.


The Imperial kit with paint and the start of some weathering.


Main paint scheme for the RFM.


That's where things are at the moment. I've been switching back and forth between these 3 and the Pz IV. I have some things to sort before I go much further with these 3. I am trialing the whitewash on a paint mule 1st so I can feel confident when I do it for reals. The "dancing bear"... not something that has been easy to come by. Any decal sets seem to have it facing one way, which is not the case as any photos I've seen have it facing forward on each side. So, I have some stencil options, but I'll have to figure out the best way to outline a red bear in white at that size... Again, maybe some practice elsewhere 1st.

[Tobi]

Woohoo, serious business going on here, though I might say, dueling yourself is not the best of ideas! ;-)
We have a duel build section.

[hasenpfeffer]

Thanks Tobi, I know. LOL It really started because I have a lot of Panzer IIIs in my stash, and I was just curious how the RFM stacked up against the Smart Kit. I threw the Imperial kit in there just to see how far modern kits have come along. My take-away, really, is that the RFM and Smart Kit are pretty much equals. I would give the slight edge to RFM, especially in the track department. But if you're looking for a simple, easy build that you can play with, the Imperial kit is quite adequate. All depends on what you are in the mood for I suppose. To press home that point, agreeing with Joe about detail, a simple comparison of the cupola. Imperial kit = 4 parts. An upper/lower and 2 hatch doors. That's it. On the flip side you have the RFM. The pic below is all of the cupola parts laid out before assembly. 53! So, pick your poison. (Just imagine adding a commander...)


Here are the final results from L>>R Imperial/Smart Kit/RFM

[Tobi]

A while ago I took an Imperial cupola and sew out the vision block armor to pose it open. I added some vision blocks from TMD, because I was planning to install Aber PE in the TMD cupola.
You're right, with some effort you can raise the bar pretty high, even on stuff which is not state of the art. I find it even more rewarding.
In any case, it's nice to see all these kits side by side. Especially for beginners this is very informative. THX for sharing.

[Steve Zuleski]

These are so close it's good to know, but the differences in size are noticeable. I like the prodcution-line build process going on here, excellent! Bookmarked!

[hasenpfeffer]

So, nothing major to report on this thread as I've been plugging away with the Pz IV H build. I did paint the main markings on the 24 PD one though. A couple pics.

I made a mask for the tactical symbol these seem to have worn on the gun housing. Pics aren't usually that clear, so I made my best guess given what you could see. Turret numbers were painted using masks as well. Only the 2 side balken kreuz are decals. I figure the roughness will get sorted out during weathering and such.



More to come.

[Whiterook]

I don’t know whether to say you’re brilliant, brave, or insane! Doing three kits’ roadwheels at once kinda leads to #3. Just sayin’    …tbis is a cool thread…can’t say I ever saw anyone do a comparison build, putting them together all at the same time. Nifty!

[hasenpfeffer]

So, I'm sorry to report that I have not done a whole lot on this thread or these builds for some time now. Partly because I am building the Mini Art Panzer IV concurrently, but mostly because the stuff I'm doing now is more boring. But maybe just because I haven't really documented what it is I'm doing... I have since primed the last (Dragon) kit. I used Mr. Surfacer 1500 Gray. I plan on doing a winter white wash over German Gray and wanted it to look "lighter". I have also been messing around with the Pz Rgt 35 "Dancing Bear" insignia. I have a PE template that I will be using and can flip over to get the mirror image. Just practicing the white outline and such. It's amazing to me that all of the decal sets get this marking wrong. Pictures clearly show the bear faces forward on each side, but the decal sheets all have 2 of the same. At least I haven't come across any that have it correct. Anyway, I'm still plugging away, and I promise an update and some pictures soon.

Here's what I'm shooting for with the Dragon Smart kit...


(pics are from the Pz Rgt 35 website, panzerregiment35.blogspot.com/
Some really awesome stuff on there if you poke around enough.

[406 Silverado]

It's good to see that you are still in the game on these Dave and I know the feeling of getting bored with builds at times but I CAN say that what you're doing with these is anything BUT boring to me. I really get alot out of watching what you do here because you take the time to explain what you're doing and the processes behind it so.....I learn a TON by watching threads like yours here and what you're shooting for is definitely on the interesting list. Will be watching for more bud.

[Tojo72]

Really nice project Dave,but way too many roadwheels to do at once 😵‍💫

[tcoat]

Apr 28, 2023 9:28:25 GMT -5 Tojo72 said:

Really nice project Dave,but way too many roadwheels to do at once 😵‍💫

[hasenpfeffer]

Apr 28, 2023 9:28:25 GMT -5 Tojo72 said:

Really nice project Dave,but way too many roadwheels to do at once 😵‍💫

C'mon now they're only Panzer IIIs... they could be Tigers or something. LOL Check out my MA Pz IV build thread soon to see how I'm tackling these things. (Since I'm not a road wheel's biggest fan either.) I'm a long way removed from any hand painting on these things. Except weathering and such, of course.

[hasenpfeffer]

Apr 28, 2023 6:00:59 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

It's good to see that you are still in the game on these Dave and I know the feeling of getting bored with builds at times but I CAN say that what you're doing with these is anything BUT boring to me. I really get alot out of watching what you do here because you take the time to explain what you're doing and the processes behind it so.....I learn a TON by watching threads like yours here and what you're shooting for is definitely on the interesting list. Will be watching for more bud.

Thanks man. I probably shouldn't have started that Panzer IV at the same time, but... I'm just not sure I can finish all of them before the Panther GB. But I will definitely keep plugging away. I just wanted everyone to know that I'm still planning do that.