German Panzer III Ausf. L Medium Tank

Matchbox 1:76 Scale Vehicle Review

This Matchbox model of the Panzer III Ausf. L has been fitted with an antenne mount on the right hull side. The part was scratchbuilt using sections of heat-extended sprue. The Antenna is a long black bristle cut from a paintbrush. Small detail on the hull and turret catches the eye and keeps the viewer interested in the model. One wonders why several important parts have been omitted from the kit: there are no spare track links, no antenna mount, no crew figures, no anti-aircraft machine gun mount or Notek light for the Panzer III L. Experienced modellers will want to scratchbuild these parts or scrounge them from other vehicle kits in this scale.

Contents

• Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L (Sd.Kfz. 141/1)
• Decal Sheet

Evaluation

• Good choice of subject, the Ausf. L was a formidable opponent for the British tanks it encountered in North Africa. Panzer III L continued to serve as a main battle tank until 1943, when it was replaced by the Panzer IV Ausf. F2.
• Scale model with some raised detail and external stowage, including spare road wheels and various tools.
• Good quality kit, parts fit well and showed minimal flash.
• Compatible with Airfix, Fujimi, Nitto, and VAC-U-CAST.

• There are no crew figures included in the kit.
• The anti-aircraft machine gun mount is not included in the kit.
• Spare track sections were normally carried in a rack welded to the hull front, but they have been omitted from this kit.
• The antenna mount is not included in the kit, but it may be scratchbuilt easily.
• The typical Notek night driving light is not included in the kit.
• Soft plastic tank tracks should be painted on both sides to retard a chemical reaction which is known to dissolve them eventually.

The Matchbox kit of the Panzer III Ausf. L is easy to build and fun to paint. Wargamers will want a platoon or two of these tanks, but the serious modeller will find the kit lacking in detail.

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– Published: 09.08.2002 – Updated: 27.09.2007
© 2002-2011 by IDL Software GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany. All rights reserved.