{"product_id":"panzer-3","title":"Panzer 3 Tank Building Block Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegin your Buildarmy tank-building journey with our Panzer III, the perfect starter set for anyone new to the sophisticated tank models in Lego compatible bricks. This 755-piece kit is designed for ease of assembly with clear, concise instructions, making it the ideal entry point. At dimensions of 15.8cm long, 8.8cm wide, and 11.7cm high, it not only serves as an impressive display piece but also introduces builders to the engineering behind historical tanks. Its working suspension adds a dynamic element, allowing the model to handle different terrains, much like the real tanks once did. Whether for educational purposes, display, or wargaming, the Panzer III is a fantastic way to ignite a passion for history and mechanics.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Brief History of Panzer III Tanks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Panzer III was the first German medium tank developed in the 1930s. It was originally designed to fight enemy tanks and serve alongside the similar Panzer IV, which was bigger and initially conceived as an infantry support tank. About 100 Panzer IIIs were used in the invasion of Poland and about 350 in the French campaign. The Panzer IIIs were the best tanks at the period of time. However, after the invasion of Soviet, the Panzer III was outclassed by the formidable T-34 and its small turret ring limited its potential to be mounted with more powerful anti-tank guns. It eventually swapped roles with the Panzer IV and became an infantry support tank since the Panzer IV was upgraded to the long-barrelled 7.5 cm KwK 40 gun and better armoured.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Panzer IIIs saw actions in the invasion of Poland, the battle of France, Operation Barbarossa and the Battle of Kursk in the Soviet Union, and the North African campaigns. Many were still in combat service against Western Allied forces in 1944-1945: at Anzio in Italy, in Normandy, and in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. Even after the cease of production, the Panzer III’s sturdy, reliable and long-lasting chassis formed the basis for one of the most successful self-propelled guns of the Second World War, the Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) tank destroyer. Among the variants of Panzer III from A to N, Ausf. J was the most produced, with around 1521 units been produced in 1941 and 1942.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e755 pieces plus additional spare bricks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScaled around 1:33 with high accuracy in proportion and great attention to detail. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: L 15.8 x W 8.8 x H 11.7cm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimple interior structures such as seats, the transmission and the engine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorking suspension.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUser-Friendly Modular Design:Open-up design allows removing of the turret and part of the hull to explore the interior structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalkenkreuz and tank number stickers included.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully compatible with LEGO® bricks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"The Gift factory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53933699170645,"sku":"B0141","price":44.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/0804\/2069\/files\/B0141_11.jpg?v=1778844936","url":"https:\/\/the-gift-factory.co.uk\/products\/panzer-3","provider":"The Gift factory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}