Heng Long/Taigen Panzer III (Das Reich, Kursk)

[Jimster]

Looking great! I need to get mine over the finish line some day.

[MrChef]

Thank you gentlemen I appreciate the support. It's good to switch things up a bit even if it isn't an MBT. Don't worry Meter Rat, a Leo is still on the list.

So on we go.

So 'm adding the more detailed Taigen idler adjusters and have read and seen previous projects. Mr. Bix, yours are very helpful with this next step. I'll be asking a question shortly.

The Glue Monkey must have an apprentice as removing the back panel was not easy, broke a few tabs and revealed some warping that I am now considering how to remedy.

So heat was the suggestion but be it boiling water or the hairdryer had no effect on this stubborn glue. I used the wedge razor blade and my trusty bamboo sticks and it still popped and broke the tabs. The rear outer panel I found on one side the tab which positions it was sheared off maybe during manufacturing but was definitely over glued to compensate.







H'mm 7.4V I guess I've never noticed this before?

This one was built in March of 2023. That means that this one was in someones stock for 19 months before it was sold. It was a Promotional Edition which in my experience means the base tank wasn't moving so they did the mods and added all the metal to try and move it.



So here we are with a next step. The holes in the back panel to mount the idler adjusters don't line up but I knew that based on previous posts I've seen here so I'm contemplating filling then with CA glue+baking soda trick. Then mounting the panel securely and mapping and drilling new mounting holes.



This is the pain in the butt stuff. One sides tab fits as best a Heng Long could I guess.


The other side was just floating approximately with lots of glue for security.



Soooooo It's template time then aligning and gluing the panel.

Love it, watching on

Here's the question Mr. Bix, did you find that you needed to remove material on the side of the lower hull to mount/align properly? I don't have a Taigen lower to compare to but I could compare it to the Stug III on hand.

[MrChef]

Looking great! I need to get mine over the finish line some day.

Yeah ya do!

Thank you she's moving rather quickly. And is fun after concentrating so much on the last Tiger for so long.

[MrChef]

Wow! You made that Panzer III into a basket case and then rebuilt it into a better Panzer III altogether. Well done!

I'm starting to like basket cases. I prefer Taigen/Torro bases now. I also like open box and damaged items. I like the challenge of it all.

[MrChef]

I quite like these. Keep up the good work.

Thank you sir. I want to get to the painting stage so badly. Am going to use the black base fading this time.

[Martin2556]

Good you’ve made a start on your Panzer III, from what I’ve seen so far it’s going to be great.

[MrChef]

Good you’ve made a start on your Panzer III, from what I’ve seen so far it’s going to be great.

Thank you Martin, shes coming along.

[MrChef]

Template time.

I made them first out of thin cardboard, taped them to styrofoam board, pressed to make imprints in the cardboard then marked the holes and drilled. Then traced and cut/drilled the styrene sheet pieces.








and soon enough



but I have realized that I will need to trim the mounting points on the side of the lower hull.

[HERMAN BIX]

Time zone delay !
Yes yes you need to remove the left overs from the sides of the hull.
Too late now but recording a measurement centre to centre of the stock idlers is also important.
Not all adjustable idler mounts are created equal !!
Just dry fit one into position and check that it’s close to the centre line of your road wheels.
I have used a jig and a felt tip to mark the holes and either works.

[HERMAN BIX]

By felt tip mean that is I used it on the location posts on the adjuster and drilled thru the marks left behind !!