The Panzer III helped form the backbone of Germany's vaunted Panzer divisions, especially in the earlier stages of WWII. To keep this medium tank competitive on the battlefield, it received a number of improvements in armor and armament throughout its life. The Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J, manufactured between March 1941 and July 1942, was the first model to feature 50mm-thick basic frontal armor. The rear and engine deck were also redesigned owing to the hull being lengthened. Late-Production models of the Ausf.J received the longer and more effective 5cm KwK38 gun of L/60 caliber. A total of 1,549 tanks of this mark were produced, ensuring it was widely used on both the Eastern Front and in North Africa. 

Dragon's brand new 1/72 scale kit of a Panzer III Ausf.J depicts a Late-Production variant. Utilizing developments and research from an earlier 1/35 scale Smart Kit counterpart, this model is another masterpiece of engineering and design. It's replete with a sizzling level of detail. This Panzer III J is fully detailed yet it offers a good balance of easy assembly through such features as DS tracks. The Ausf.J's use against T-34s and KV-1 tanks in Russia, or Grants and Valentines on North Africa's battlefields, provides modelers with ample inspiration in portraying this tank in a diorama. Modelers are supported by a selection of high-quality decal markings, making this indeed an exciting new Panzer III kit from Dragon!