1:35 Panzer III - Jack Rest Block (Part 1 - 3D Printed)

Panzer III jack rest block, part 1, in 1:35 scale

A resin jack rest block for a model of the German Panzer III medium tank in 1:35 scale, designated part 1. On the real vehicle the wooden block was laid under the foot of the jack so that it did not sink into soft ground, and it was carried lashed to the hull or to a fender. The resin print holds the wood grain and the edges knocked about in service, which the plastic part from a kit tends not to have.

The real subject

At the start of the Second World War the Panzer III was the main German tank and bore the brunt of the fighting in France, in the Balkans and in the first year of the war against the Soviet Union. Its armament was stepped up from the 3.7 cm gun through the 5 cm to the short 7.5 cm of the support version, but the chassis no longer allowed any marked strengthening of the armor, so from 1943 it gave way to other types in production. Its hull went on serving, though: it carried the StuG III assault gun. The jack and the block under its foot were carried outside by the crew and the way they were attached changed during production.

Building and painting tips

Dry fit the parts before gluing, because resin cannot be realigned once the glue has set. Cut the supports off with a scalpel and level the area with a sanding sponge under water. Washing in warm soapy water removes any uncured print resin residue; without it the primer marbles. A dark wash runs into the engraved edges and the hardware stands out.

Who the set is for

• Modelers who build the Panzer III and want to replace the plastic block
• Diorama builders who show the wood grain close up
• Modelers who work with resin and super glue

This is an accessory for modifying a model, not a kit of the vehicle. The parts are supplied unpainted; the base kit, the glue and the paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise. Check the exact contents on the box.