Revell Flakpanzer III "Ostwind" (3,7cm Flak 43) (03286)

[Paul A H]

Flakpanzer III "Ostwind" (3,7cm Flak 43) 03286

1:72 Revell

 

 

The origins of the Flakpanzer can be traced back to the North African campaign, when large numbers of Wehrmacht vehicles were decimated by fighter bombers of the RAF Desert Air Force. A number of temporary solutions were put in place, generally involving converting a range of vehicles to carry single flak guns. As the German military situation deteriorated, particularly on the Eastern Front, it became clear that a more permanent solution was required. A number of solutions were tried and tested until the first true Flakpanzers appeared in the shape of the Wirbelwind and the Ostwind. The Wirbelwind was fitted with the quadruple 2cm Flak 38, while the Ostwind was fitted with a single 3.7cm Flak 43. Both vehicles were based on the Panzer IV chassis, so I can only assume that Revell's Panzer III version represents some form of prototype. Most of the completed Ostwinds were deployed to Normandy in the wake of the Allied invasion. They didnt fare particularly well in combat though, with most being destroyed, captured or abandoned.

 

As seems to be the case with most relatively obscure Wehrmacht types, the Ostwind has been relatively well-served by model manufacturers over the years. This particular effort from Revell is effectively a reboxing of the MACO kit released in 2013, which in turn is based on the Revell Panzer III but with new parts for the anti-aircraft gun and turret. Inside the compact end-opening box are six sprues of grey plastic, a white metal turret ring and decals. The sprues are well laid out and the mouldings are free from flash. Surface detail is clean and crisp, and first impressions are very favourable.

 

 

 

 

As with most Revell kits, no shortcuts have been taken with the detail and the thing builds just like a miniature 1:35 scale model. While the axles and suspension units are moulded onto the side of the hull, the road wheels, drive sprokets and idlers are proper two-part jobbies. Take it from me, however, that painting the tyres on twenty-four individual wheels will drive you bonkers. The tracks are of the link and length variety and have been very nicely moulded. Once the running gear is in place, construction moves on to the upper hull. In keeping with the rest of the model, this is nicely detailed and extra parts such as spare wheels, tracks and pioneer tools are all present and correct. The Flak 43 mounting is a separate sub-assembly which replaces the kit's original turret. Revell/MACO have done a good job with this part of the kit, and the high part count points to a very good overall level of detail. You will need to drill out the barrel of the 3.7cm cannon, but that is no hardship. Lots of additional details such as spare ammunition is provided . The kit is calling out for some crew figures, but sadly none are included. 

 

 

 

 

Two different options are provides for on the tiny decal sheet. The first is a prototype Ostwind with sand/green camouglage, while the second is a prototype painted in overall green. The decal sheet is small but nicely printed.

 

Conclusion

 

When I first saw this kit, I assumed it was based on Revell's Panzer IV chassis, just like their relatively recent Wirbelwind. It's slightly surprising to see that Revell have chosen instead to release a kit of the prototype Ostwind, based on the Panzer III chassis, but perhaps this was logical given the availability of the MACO kit. Revell and MACO have done a really nice job with the conversion parts and the result is by far the best and most detailed Ostwind available in this scale. Highly recommended.

 

 

 

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit

 

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[Julien]

The Flakpanzer III was a late war design to use up obsolete Panzer III chassis. 

 

From PanzarPedia

 

Quote

Near the end of the war, it was planned to decommission Panzer III chassis, and convert them to anti-aircraft tanks. This idea created two concepts.

The first project was to be a Paner III chassis with a modified Wirbelwind turret. In the second project should be the same but with a Ostwind turret.

Modifying the turrets consisted in adapting the turret ring because the turret ring of the Panzer III had a smaller diameter (1520 mm) than the Panzer IV (1680 mm). The vehicle with a Wirbelwind turret was to be adjusted at company Ostbau Sagan, and vehicle with Ostwind turret at Burg Sturmgeschützschule.

On March 17, 1945, a pre-production series of 18 out of 72 vehicles was ordered for construction.

It is unknown weather these vehicles were completed before the end of the war. Some people claim that some prototypes were built; others argue that because of the end of the war, the construction was probably not started. Most likely the convertions were started but not completed.

 

 

[Seahawk]

3 hours ago, Julien said:

The Flakpanzer III was a late war design to use up obsolete Panzer III chassis. 

And also to provide a flak tank with mechanical compatibility with StuG III units.