September Panzer III

Tank models issued so far in the "September 1939" series didn’t excite me too much- simplifications of the driving system in my opinion went to far in most cases. Apparently the manufacturer took that into consideration and the new issue (73) introduced some changes in this matter. Let's check it out.

First one?

German tanks don’t keep me awake at night, so I'm not quite sure about the previously released miniatures of this particular Panzerkampfwagen III variant. If the Internet (in the form of scalemates.com database) is to be believed- there was no reasonable 1:72 scale model so far. So it seems that the FtF offer may be interesting not only for "wargamers".

Truisms

It’s hard to mistake the First to Fight kit (cat. no. PL1939-073) with other manufacturers' products. The attached A4 format brochure (which in theory is the main part of the bundle) may have something to do with it, but the characteristic graphic style of the packaging also serves its purpose.

Three frames moulded with grey plastic- that’s the whole content of the box. Yeah, there is also a decal sheet- but rather small and not very useful, at least in my opinion.

Let's not forget about the attached leaflet, which contains small assembly drawings (bigger than those printed at the back of the box anyway), colour profiles (drawn in unnecessary confusing way) and step-by-step build illustrated with postage stamp sized photos (literally). I am also a fan of printing inside a photo of attached box. Just to remind you about the “free bonus” if you missed it.

Sprues

Mockery aside, let's get back to the plastic frames. First one, marked "D", includes upper part of the hull and turret pieces.

Second („A”)- lower hull and some other details.

And the main attraction- sprue „B” with tracks and wheels designed with new (at least for FtF) approach.

It’s quite apparent what’s going on here (especially if you know previous kits from this series), but let's take a closer look.

Novelty

This time tasks and wheels weren’t designed as a single block mounted to the hull sides. Admittedly tracks in form of closed loops are still moulded together with wheels.

But not with all of them. Second row of main wheels is separated, moulded with small piece of track.

Just like return rollers.

Drive wheels are similar in design and idlers looks just like “standard” kit parts.

Thanks to this not only we have separated wheels in pairs, but there is also something on the tracks that, although still simplified, with a bit of good will can be called a row of teeth.

All in all a pretty cool solution- a bit more complex to build, but the weakest point of the FtF tracked models was reduced significantly. Admittedly I would prefer tracks without cut-out pieces and all of the wheels from second row separated (e.g. like in the Japanese tanks recently released by IBG Models), but that would be probably too close to a "normal" model.

Standard

Remaining parts demonstrate design choices and quality level known from previous kit in the series. Hence we have upper part of the hull moulded with fenders and some pieces of external equipment.

Just as towing cable, of rather questionable look to be honest.

Engine compartment ventilation elements are provided separately.

Just like some other pieces of the external equipment.

Also- front armour plate with machine gun position.

The armament pack visible at the photo above is intended for a quite nice turret. The lower edges of the side hatches and vision ports are however rather soft.

Commander's cupola was designed as a separate element, with a closed hatch of course.

Suspension details were cast straight on the lower hull sides, thanks to the sliding moulds technology.

Whereas the back panel, with exhaust system elements, is an independent element.

Pretty good for a "wargaming" model, isn't it?

Decals

It is hard to describe the attached decals as a sheet of markings, because those include only four generic white crosses.

I know, I know- it’s a “wargaming” kit. But the PzKpfw I Ausf. B set had side numbers included, so there's that (sadly this was an isolated incident if I’m not mistaken). Can someone please release a comprehensive decal set for the September kits? I’ll bet I'm not the only one who would be interested.

Manual

As usual in this series- something reminiscent of a manual was placed on the back of the box (the same drawings, in a slightly larger format, were also printed in the attached brochure).

Fortunately the manufacturer also uploaded a little bit bigger renderings to it’s Facebook page, so no squinting at the box is necessary.

Kit assembly drawings (First To Fight)

Whereas in terms of painting- you're on your own. Unless you are happy with all-grey camouflage made with Vallejo or Hataka paints.

Conclusion

No matter how much I mock and sneer here- new issue of "September 1939" is quite an interesting proposition for modellers not interested in the "gaming" side of the series. If only they are willing to accept some simplifications still present in the model, which are not that signifiant anyway. I would even say that the described Pz. III could be successfully served outside the series without any real fuss. Especially considering the trends that have been spreading for some time in more mainstream models.

It is only a pity that previously released FtF miniatures were not made according to a similar concept- I would probably reach for them more often. Perhaps that was the goal behind the introduced design changes- to interest "non-players" a bit more?

Whatever the case, I hope it's not a one-time thing and the next models will continue this trend. I will follow the series more closely now.

MMXIX