Panzer III J in North Africa

Armor/AFV WWII Axis
1

Hi all. I’m asking for a friend who has a Panzer III J and wants to put it in a diorama set in North Africa. Firstly, was the J used in that theater and if so, were there any modifications made to the tank? Thank you in advance.

Rich M.

2

Yes the III J was used in Africa. As far as what mods were made, I imagine that the air filters were upgraded for the dusty environment, like on many other equipment items sent into the theater there, but don’t know for certain.

3

Thanks for the quick reply Stik

4

You’re welcome. Hopefully you can get some photos of your friends project and post them here.

5

Yes I’ll get him to take some pics. I think he bought it partially built lol…… so I’m not sure how far along he is in its construction; he’s not an armor guy; he does figures. I usually airbrush his armor for him.

6

No mods. The dust covers for the engine deck were standard by the time the ‘J’ hit the battlefield.

7

Thank you brekinapez I appreciate it.

8

There are many ways to build a Panzer III Ausf. J.

  • 5cm KWK L/42
  • 5cm KWK L/60
  • early fenders (without spare wheels)
  • late fenders (with spare wheels)
  • early (tropical) engine deck
  • late engine deck with armoured covers
  • with or without extra armor in front of turret and hull
  • only extra armor only in front of hull
    and so on
    You have to check a lot of photos of the tank! Only one modification, two or more, maybe all…
    Look at the instructions of Das Werk Panzer III Ausf. J in 1/16
9

Thanks gotrek 58 I’m realizing that now as I do research for this tank. I’ll pass it on to my friend