German Panzer III Ausf. L Medium Tank (Sd.Kfz. 141/1)

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausführung L was produced from June 1942 until December 1942. Outwardly similar to the late Ausf. J, this variant of the Panzer III had 57 mm of frontal turret, often supplemented by 20 mm of applique armour on the gun mantlet and superstructure front. Panzer III Ausf. L(Tp) serving in North Africa were fitted with additional air filters, and they had improved oil filters and cooling fans. Panzer III Ausf. L was the first of the Panzer III series to receive the Fliegerbeschussgerät 41/42 anti-aircraft machine gun mount which was attached to the tank commander’s cupola.

Available Scale Model Kits

Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L, 1:35 Tamiya 35125
- Panzer III Ausf. L Detail Set, 1:35 Royal Model
Panzer III Ausf. L, 1:48 Tamiya
Panzer III Ausf. L, 1:72 Revell 03133
Panzer III Ausf. L (North Africa), 1:72 Admiral Toys AD72001
Panzer III Ausf. L (Winter Camouflage), 1:72 Admiral Toys AD72003
Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L, 1:76 Matchbox 40074
Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L, 1:76 Revell (Matchbox) 03155
Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L, 1:87 WTD 13
Panzer III L/N, 15 mm Battlefront Miniatures GE034
Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L, 1:285 GHQ G28

Technical Specifications

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. L
Type: Main Battle Tank
Motor: Maybach HL 120 TRM, 12-cylinder, 197,4 kw
Speed: 40 km/h on roads, 20 km/h cross-country
Fuel Capacity: 320 l
Cruising Range: 155 km on roads, 95 km cross-country
Length: 6410 mm
Width: 2950 mm
Height: 2500 mm
Weight: 22.700 kg
Armament: 5,0 cm L.60 KwK 39, Hull MG 34, Turret MG 34, AA-MG 34
Armour Penetration at 0-100 m:
- 99 mm, using (A.P.) Panzergranate 39
- 141 mm, using (A.P.C.R.) Panzergranate 40
Crew: Commander, Gunner, Loader, Radio Operator, and Driver

Bibliography

Der Panzerkampfwagen III und seine Abarten. Walter J. Spielberger
Panzerkampfwagen III Medium Tank 1936-1944. B. Perret, M. Badrocke (Illustrator)
Krupp Grusonwerk. Panzer aus Magdeburg 1933–1945. Axel Kühling
Modelling the Panzer III. Osprey Modelling Manuals
Panzer III. Die Deutschen Panzer - No. 4. UK Video (PAL)

Historical Employment

German Army, July 1942 – December 1944

Possible Conversions

Panzer III Ausf. N (Sd.Kfz. 141/2)
SSG offer a spare turret for this Sturmpanzer III conversion.

Panzer III Ausführung L served as a main battle tank in Europe and North Africa. The vehicle was a formidable opponent for the British tanks it encountered in the desert, but it was no match for the Soviet T-34.

Frequently Asked Questions

For further information on the subject, please contact the editors of Military Miniatures Magazine in the Miniatures Forum.

German Panzer III