Here is the latest model from my armory. This time it's the PIII M.
Here are some pictures from the construction phase with explanations.
The M is basically the final version of the PIII, apart from the N version. Due to its different armament, it has a different doctrine of use than the PIII M.
The basis is the PIII from Revell, an L. It's a bit of a leftover project, as I took the 3.7 flak from the Ostwind kit for my furniture truck. That left me with the chassis of the PIII L. The funny thing is that the assembly instructions were only printed for the Ostwind. There are no instructions beyond the chassis. Scalemates helped out with the turret construction plan.
I have a sorting box just for PIII parts. The PIII L was also disassembled in it. The assembly was easy. Until it came to the turret. There were few problems there too, as I've already built enough of them.
Then the gun shield: I looked for parts to make the shield movable. In the construction plan downloaded from Scalemates, I saw that the shield could only be built as a fixed part. GREAT.
To convert the PIII L into an M, a few changes had to be made to the vehicle. Headlights, a different exhaust, and smoke grenade launchers had to be made. Small stuff, but time-consuming.
Finally, I removed all the tools from the upper hull and attached new ones from my stock.
Since I can't leave anything as it is, I opened a tower hatch and glued a figure inside.
To convert the PIII L into an M, a few changes had to be made to the vehicle. Headlights , a different exhaust, and smoke grenade launchers had to be made.
Small stuff, but one more little eye-catcher: the tow ropes are homemade. An old tea bag was used for this. I put some wood glue on two fingers and pull the ribbon through several times. This binds any protruding fibers. Then hang it up somewhere to dry under its own weight. I wrapped the rope thimbles (where the rope eye is. The round piece is called a rope thimble, as is the insert that can be in the eye, but doesn't have to be) with paper and then glued the ribbon into the hole.
I also recreated the rope holders on the engine cover using aluminum foil.
Thats all for now. The Update ts comming not soon.
Sorry, but my homemade airbrush system is broken. It will take some time before I can use it again. The problem is the fire extinguisher I use as a pressure reservoir. I can't unscrew it. I have to access the built-in leaky valve from the inside. Unfortunately, it will probably take some time. This trusty piece of equipment has served me well for over 30 years without any problems.
Jürgen
