Forgotten Hope: Panzer III goes FH

The first item in the showcase today is the Panzer III Ausf J, early and late versions. First produced in 1941, the Ausf J was the first Panzer III designed from the beginning to carry a 50mm gun, as the 37mm gun specified for earlier versions had difficulty penetrating the armor of some Allied tanks. The main difference between the early and late Ausf Js was the longer L60 gun used in the late version, in place of the shorter L42. In total, Ausf Js were the most numerous of all Panzer IIIs constituting all most half of all produced. The Panzer III Ausf J was modeled and skinned by Rad

After encountering heavily armed T34 and KV tanks during operation Barbarossa, it became apparent that the Panzer III, as Germany's main tank killing vehicle, was dangerously vulnerable. The Panzer III Ausf L, first produced in 1942, represented an attempt to improve the survivability of the Panzer III. Armor thickness was increased from 30mm to 50mm on the front turret and 20mm spaced armor was added to the front hull and mantlet. Some were also given schurzen for added protection. Other improvements included modifications intended to keep the engine running smoothly in extreme environments and simplifications to speed up production. The Panzer III Ausf L was modeled and skinned by Rad.

The Panzer III Ausf M, manufactured in Late 1942-early 1943, was the last version of the Panzer III was intended for the role of fighting other tanks. Similar to the Ausf L in its armament and protection, the Ausf M was equipped for wading rivers that were too deep for earlier versions. Ausf Ms were factory-equipped with schurzen. The Panzer III Ausf M was modeled and skinned by Rad.

The Ausf N was the last Panzer III produced. Equipped with the same 75mm KwK 37 L/24 used in the early Panzer IVs,the Ausf N was intended for infantry support, as by this time, the Panzer III's tank fighting role had been superseded by other vehicles. The Panzer III Ausf M was modeled and skinned by Rad.