My 21st Century Afrikakorps Panzer III (1 Viewer)

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Nov 18, 2012
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Hi All:

If I had to choose a favorite vehicle among the 1/32 scale Ultimate Soldier/21st Century collection, it would have to be the Afrikakorps Panzer III - in tan. I was recently comparing it to my new Collector's Showcase 1/30 Scale Tiger thinking to myself, for the quality and value, this is one awesome little tank!

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Let's take a look at this tank in greater detail:

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Hatches open for figure placement

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Painted emblems of the tank number and Afrikakorps logo add to the nice details

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Smooth rolling treads add to the playability for maneuvering in battle scenes

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The Panzer III compared to the 2012 Collector's Showcase Afrikakorps Tiger

Now for some battle shots:

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Classic Battle Scene - El Alamein 1942

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Pictured with DAK Infantry

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Photo-edited desert scene

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Outdoor shot making its way through rocky terrain

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With German Officer/Rommel figure

Now let's rate this tank based on the new WesternOutlaw Toy Soldier & Vehicle Rating System
5 points possible for each measure:

Assembly/Components: 5 - all components pre-attached. The Panzer III comes with a removable water container.
Color Scheme: 4 - Good shade of Afrikakorps tan but some additional weathering would make the color scheme even better (-1)
Design/Mold: 5 - Scale looks realistic compared to 1/32 Ultimate Soldier figures and design is spot on. Partially die cast metal construction adds a lot to the quality
Paint Quality: 5 - painted nicely, no runs in paint, all hatches and colors blend in with one another
Decals: 5 - number on turret, Iron Cross on front, and three Afrikakorps palms with swastikas add to the nice details. Emblems neat with no smudging or color runs
Details: 5 - ammo crate, hooks, painted tools, and liftable antenna add nice detail to the Panzer III
Figures: N/A - no figures are included with the Panzer III. The short barrel grey variation comes with two figures
Playability: 4 - opening hatches, movable turret, rolling treads add to the playability. (-1) for not including any figures
Price: 5 - I think I paid around $45 for this tank on Ebay but it originally sold for around $30. The value for the money is high, and compared to
Display/Eye Appeal: 5 - Looks fantastic in scenes and dioramas! (see images)

Total Score: 43/45 points, 4.78 out of 5, 96% - a solid A!

If you can find one of these Panzer IIIs on the second hand market, I would highly recommend, especially for fans of the WWII N. Africa campaign.
 
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