Hatch delete PZ III

[Ragnar]

Seriously thinking of filing off the small molded on hatch’s on forward section of the turret, believe they’ve been deleted on the metal Pz III and IV turrets. And it looks much nicer and will give a smoother surface for decal numbers.
Thinking of using foam board finger nail files.



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[Pak36]

I took mine off. I cut the bulk off with a sharp blade, then finished with sanding. A few coats of hi-build primer and a fresh coat of matt dark tellow and she was all good.

I was converting my tank to a PzIII N and these did not have the hatches....but I had to use the early turret as the Ausf N did not have spaced armour on the mantlet. And that had the hatches!

[Raminator]

Seriously thinking of filing off the small molded on hatch’s on forward section of the turret, believe they’ve been deleted on the metal Pz III and IV turrets.

It will depend on what version Panzer III you are planning to model (if you are concerned about details like that). I believe the vision blocks on the turret sides were removed from the Ausf. L onwards, since the schürzen that were fitted from then on would have rendered them pretty useless.

A fine razor saw is the easiest way to cut off surface details like this; if you lay the saw flat on the turret wall with the teeth facing upward, you'll be able to cut the hatch off completely. A quick sand and primer coat, and it'll be ready to be repainted.