K&C AK050 PanzerIII (1 Viewer)

[Jagdpanther]

Hi,

I was just wondering if this PanzerIII model is a Late Auf H? or early J? Some one who knows German would be be much appreciated Thank you.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

It is supposed to be an early Ausf. J

The Ausf. J had a hull slightly longer than an Ausf H (difficult to see) redesigned front hatches (also difficult to see) and thicker armour (also hard to see). The visible differences between the H and J was that the J had a new driver''s visor and a ball mount for the hull MG. The front towing eyes were different too.

Here is an Ausf. H. Different driver's visor, no ball cover for hull MG, bolt-on armour to increase protection and different style towing eyes.

Terry

 

[King & Country]

It is supposed to be an early Ausf. J

The Ausf. J had a hull slightly longer than an Ausf H (difficult to see) redesigned front hatches (also difficult to see) and thicker armour (also hard to see). The visible differences between the H and J was that the J had a new driver''s visor and a ball mount for the hull MG. The front towing eyes were different too.

Here is an Ausf. H. Different driver's visor, no ball cover for hull MG, bolt-on armour to increase protection and different style towing eyes.

Terry

Hi Terry,
Many thanks for posting the pix...personally,I think this Panzer III looks pretty good in Afrika Korps colours...Although I fully admit to being a bit biased!
Best wishes and have a great weekend! Andy.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

It does look good. When it came out, I debated replacing my AK019 with the newer model. AK050 is a much better model technically, but AK019 has a crewman hanging out the side hatch. That's a rare feature these days, so I ended up sticking with AK019

Terry

 

[King & Country]

It does look good. When it came out, I debated replacing my AK019 with the newer model. AK050 is a much better model technically, but AK019 has a crewman hanging out the side hatch. That's a rare feature these days, so I ended up sticking with AK019

Terry

Fair enough Terry...I would not fault you there!
I know I'm lucky...One looks good...two looks better...
Enjoy your weekend, Andy.

 

[LTC PaulN]

I've been fond of both models, but have neither.

AK19 has the great additional stowage of jerry cans and track on the lower hull, as well as the recognition flag and the second crew member in the turret. But, I always disliked how the tracks and road wheels were sculpted.

AK50 is far superior in that respect, but misses the "Lived In" look of the older model.

 

[Panzer ace]

It does look good. When it came out, I debated replacing my AK019 with the newer model. AK050 is a much better model technically, but AK019 has a crewman hanging out the side hatch. That's a rare feature these days, so I ended up sticking with AK019

Terry

Terry:

I remember the first time I saw this tank at Sierra. All I saw was that crewman hanging out the hatch with gloves on and a tan and I had to have it!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

-Jason

 

[bradleyl30]

I really liked both, but AK050 was my preference. I thought it was one of K&Cs best tanks ever, although the crewmen of AK019 were great.

If I had not had to downsize I might still have both.

 

[WesternOutlaw]

Interesting post and thoughts on the two Panzer IIIs. I unfortunately missed out on both of these beauties. I really like the older AK019 with crewman in side hatch (what a fantastic detail!), but the wheel/tread system of AK050 seems to look more realistic IMO.

Both are great DAK tanks that I would be proud to own.

I only have this little guy by Ultimate Soldier from my pre-K&C days.


Afrikakorps: Panzer III (Outside Color) by Western Outlaw, on Flickr

Perhaps we'll eventually see K&C offer a new DAK Panzer III.

 

[Panzer ace]

Interesting post and thoughts on the two Panzer IIIs. I unfortunately missed out on both of these beauties. I really like the older AK019 with crewman in side hatch (what a fantastic detail!), but the wheel/tread system of AK050 seems to look more realistic IMO.

Both are great DAK tanks that I would be proud to own.

I only have this little guy by Ultimate Soldier from my pre-K&C days.


Afrikakorps: Panzer III (Outside Color) by Western Outlaw, on Flickr

Perhaps we'll eventually see K&C offer a new DAK Panzer III.

My bet is that K&C will make one again. It seems to have sold very well and remains in demand.

 

[katana]

I have the same Panzer III from 21st century and its a keeper. The size is about 1/30, diecast metal construction and the track and sprockets are far more realistic than the polystone models. Plus the excellent K&C DAK figures fit into the hatch. I used mine in a DAK diorama I previously posted along with the K&C Panzer II and the 2001 Rommel figure.

Interesting post and thoughts on the two Panzer IIIs. I unfortunately missed out on both of these beauties. I really like the older AK019 with crewman in side hatch (what a fantastic detail!), but the wheel/tread system of AK050 seems to look more realistic IMO.

Both are great DAK tanks that I would be proud to own.

I only have this little guy by Ultimate Soldier from my pre-K&C days.


Afrikakorps: Panzer III (Outside Color) by Western Outlaw, on Flickr

Perhaps we'll eventually see K&C offer a new DAK Panzer III.

 

[TomNT]

I have the same Panzer III from 21st century and its a keeper. The size is about 1/30, diecast metal construction and the track and sprockets are far more realistic than the polystone models. Plus the excellent K&C DAK figures fit into the hatch. I used mine in a DAK diorama I previously posted along with the K&C Panzer II and the 2001 Rommel figure.

Hi Kat, the K&C figures may fit into the hatch but I think they are to big for the Panzer III or all the armoured vehicles you have in the scene for that matter. The scene is still very nice though.

Tom

 

[katana]

Thanks for posting the photo and the complement Tom. I agree with your comment; all the vehicles are 1/30 and all the figures are 1/28 or 65mm. The K&C figure in the Panzer III came with the K&C Panzer II and he looks even more out of scale in the Panzer II. The Thomas Gunn PAK 40 gun crew is also oversize for the gun. The best I could do with what I have to work with; but as Andy says people are all different sizes and this group averages about 6'6" tall. A diet of Saurbraten, Spetzla and beer will have that effect.

Hi Kat, the K&C figures may fit into the hatch but I think they are to big for the Panzer III or all the armoured vehicles you have in the scene for that matter. The scene is still very nice though.

Tom

 

[King & Country]

Thanks for posting the photo and the complement Tom. I agree with your comment; all the vehicles are 1/30 and all the figures are 1/28 or 65mm. The K&C figure in the Panzer III came with the K&C Panzer II and he looks even more out of scale in the Panzer II. The Thomas Gunn PAK 40 gun crew is also oversize for the gun. The best I could do with what I have to work with; but as Andy says people are all different sizes and this group averages about 6'6" tall. A diet of Saurbraten, Spetzla and beer will have that effect.

Sorry to disagree with you 'Katana' but all 21st. Century figures and vehicles are 1:32. A few years back I was fortunate to know Mr. Jim Allen who founded and led the company and often came to Hong Kong and had an office here...He was adamant that all his vehicles and figures were 1:32 and that was his preferred scale. He had files and files of info that confirmed his models' dimensions.
I am happy when others utilise our figures elsewhere in whatever they choose and collect...that's their prerogative. With a few exceptions I personally believe that most K&C figures go best with...K&C fighting vehicles. However you do what works best for you...it's still, for the most part, a free world!
Best wishes and happy collecting! Andy.

 

[katana]

Andy I agree that the majority of the 21st Century armor is 1/32; however the Cold Steel Diecast versions are oversize and range between 1/31 and 1/30 typically. The 21st century Cold Steel Panzer III is the same size as the First Legion and Eagle Design Panzer IIIs. The King Tiger, Panzer IV and Stug IV are also oversize. I have posted photos of all of these oversize 21st Century Cold Steel vehicles with measured 60mm figures for reference. Some FOV vehicles are also oversize i.e. the Jagdtiger and M26 Pershing. I have posted photos of these with 60mm W. Britains figures for reference.

Size variations in diecast metal vehicles seem to be as great as those found in polystone vehicles; with your experience you can perhaps explain why this occurs.

Sorry to disagree with you 'Katana' but all 21st. Century figures and vehicles are 1:32. A few years back I was fortunate to know Mr. Jim Allen who founded and led the company and often came to Hong Kong and had an office here...He was adamant that all his vehicles and figures were 1:32 and that was his preferred scale. He had files and files of info that confirmed his models' dimensions.
I am happy when others utilise our figures elsewhere in whatever they choose and collect...that's their prerogative. With a few exceptions I personally believe that most K&C figures go best with...K&C fighting vehicles. However you do what works best for you...it's still, for the most part, a free world!
Best wishes and happy collecting! Andy.

 

[Desertkiwi]

Andy I agree that the majority of the 21st Century armor is 1/32; however the Cold Steel Diecast versions are oversize and range between 1/31 and 1/30 typically. The 21st century Cold Steel Panzer III is the same size as the First Legion and Eagle Design Panzer IIIs. The King Tiger, Panzer IV and Stug IV are also oversize. I have posted photos of all of these oversize 21st Century Cold Steel vehicles with measured 60mm figures for reference. Some FOV vehicles are also oversize i.e. the Jagdtiger and M26 Pershing. I have posted photos of these with 60mm W. Britains figures for reference.

Size variations in diecast metal vehicles seem to be as great as those found in polystone vehicles; with your experience you can perhaps explain why this occurs.

Could I be so bold as to suggest, maybe it's time you started your own TS manufacturing business so you can experiences the complexities of producing your own brand and getting them onto shop shelves around the globe??

 

[katana]

I have experienced the complexities of designing, building and selling medical life support equipment for many years; so I think I understand the problems of manufacturing a product.. Thank you for your suggestion.

Could I be so bold as to suggest, maybe it's time you started your own TS manufacturing business so you can experiences the complexities of producing your own brand and getting them onto shop shelves around the globe??

 

[Desertkiwi]

I have experienced the complexities of designing, building and selling medical life support equipment for many years; so I think I understand the problems of manufacturing a product.. Thank you for your suggestion.

Thank you for your response Katana, that explains a great deal.

Kind Regards.

 

[katana]

I respect the various Toy Soldier manufacturers and their products. I collect many different manufacturers products and I enjoy them all. Each manufacturer has their strong and weak points as does any individual. I liked Figarti armor a lot; but I was not fond of their figures. Some were good and some were not, as is the case with all manufacturers products. I think K&C does an excellent job with figures. I am collecting their Barbarian series figures which are superb as are their DAK figures.

I tend to pick and mix between different manufacturers products to construct a scene or diorama that is interesting. My projects would be far more simple if the figures were all the same size; but they are not. My criticisms are aimed at improving Toy Soldier products, not to demean them in anyway. My earlier comment on increasing production lot size to reduce prices was intended to help offset the steadily increasing prices that are of great concern to all.

 

[King & Country]

I respect the various Toy Soldier manufacturers and their products. I collect many different manufacturers products and I enjoy them all. Each manufacturer has their strong and weak points as does any individual. I liked Figarti armor a lot; but I was not fond of their figures. Some were good and some were not, as is the case with all manufacturers products. I think K&C does an excellent job with figures. I am collecting their Barbarian series figures which are superb as are their DAK figures.

I tend to pick and mix between different manufacturers products to construct a scene or diorama that is interesting. My projects would be far more simple if the figures were all the same size; but they are not. My criticisms are aimed at improving Toy Soldier products, not to demean them in anyway. My earlier comment on increasing production lot size to reduce prices was intended to help offset the steadily increasing prices that are of great concern to all.

With respect 'Katana'...to your suggestion that ...'increase production lot size to reduce prices in order to offset steadily increasing prices' may work in your own chosen field of employment...However, in this very 'niche but nice' little hobby and business...It does not...And here's why...
Most of the companies involved, K&C included, produce items in the 'hundreds' not the 'thousands'...Cost of development...design, manufacturing, packaging and so on is relatively high...at least initially. If an item is exceptionally popular then 'additional runs of production' do certainly help reduce some of the initial costs and are most welcome.
Speaking personally, on behalf of K&C, that extra income goes straight back into the business to help pay for the design and development of the next and future K&C releases. That's just one very important reason why and how King & Country is able to launch and release the broad spectrum of all kinds of figures, fighting vehicles, accessories and occasionally aircraft on a regular monthly schedule throughout the year...every year.
Hope this explains a little of the background...Best wishes and happy collecting! Andy.