The Panzer III was the first proper tank built by Hitler’s Germany. Although not a lot has been written about this vehicle, I was glad to have added this book to my library. The German army and the Waffen SS both used this vehicle for combat and until the Panzer IV came into play was the main fighting vehicle of both organizations.

The first two variants that the authors discuss are of the J and L variants. The kits used for these two variants are made by Gunze Sangyo. After discussing the build of the Panzer III, they take us into the desert. The Panzer III is from the 15^th Panzer Division that was part of the force that beat back Churchill’s Desert Rats. The authors go through painting the tank and the washes, shading and blending used to bring out the specific features of the desert tank to enable us to see that it was just out of fighting and ready to refuel for battle again. In the next chapter, the authors show us how to personalize a Panzer III Ausf. L. This tank has had boxes and canvas rolls added to enhance the vehicle. The bed rolls and canvas rolls have been made out of two part epoxy putty to add stowage on the vehicles as would have been added during World War II.

The next major challenge for the reader is to take in the chapter on advanced building and try to complete the destroyed Panzer III that the authors have built. After having shown my wife the pictures she said and I quote “If you build this then your skills are complete,” as if I were a Jedi just starting my training.

The next project the authors show us is a Panzer III in the snow. With winter conditions, the Germans were ill equipped to either handle or endure a long winter, but were still expected to do their duty. The authors give us a whole page of different suggestion on how to apply winter schemes.

The walkaround of the Panzer III comes from 3 different tanks. The first one is an Ausf. N is from the Saumur Museum in France.  The other two variants which were an N and an L are from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

The authors have scored another big hit with me as I am proud to include this book in my collection, as not only I but also my children will love this book. Thanks to the authors for a great piece of work.