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schwere Panzerabteilung 503 - France, 1944 / Build Blog

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:52:22 +0100

HISTORY:
The unit was created on May 4, 1942 in Neuruppin, Germany and at the time of formation it boasted a main compliment of 45 Tiger I Ausf. E "Heavy Tanks". Although originally designated for service in North Africa, the 503d found itself assigned to Von Manstein's Army Group Don and fought at Kharkov with 20 Tiger I's as well as it's 31 PzKpfw. Ausf. N's in support. Upon the 503's arrival on January 1, 1943, it immediately took up a defensive position in support of Heeresgruppe A's withdrawal and the unit saw it's first action around Stawropol on January 4th, repelling a Soviet assault and claiming their first 18 kills from the advancing Russian armor. In the days that followed, the schwere Panzerabteilung 503 fought in the army's withdrawal to Rostov where, they were joined by the 2nd Company Tiger I's of schwere Panzerabteilung 502, this unit eventually being absorbed into the 503 as their 3rd Company. On February 11, 1943 the 503 was transferred to Kharkov where it claimed several more kills during massive Soviet assaults that culminated in the veritable destruction of the Russian's "Mobile Group Popov".

Schwere Panzerabteilung 503 also participated in "Operation Citadel" in July 1943 with great result and spent the remainder of that year on the Eastern Front, assigned to various locations in a defensive role as well as participating in "Local" counterattacks as the opportunity arose. The 503 performed admirably during the "Kursk Offensive" losing only three Tigers during the main assault with five more lost during the withdrawal. From July 5 through August 17, the 503 claimed kills on 385 tanks, 4 assault guns and 265 anti-tank guns.
In January, 1944 the Abteilung, along with several other units comprised "Panzer Regiment Bake" and assisted in the assault on Korsun, the infamous "Breakout from the Korsun Pocket", later fighting in the relief of the "Cherkassy Pocket" as well. At this time the 503 had 34 tanks classified as "Operational" and despite the fierce fighting in and around the pocket, lost only seven Tigers, one was destroyed by the enemy, another was destroyed by a Panther of the 1st SS in a "Friendly Fire" incident and the remaining five were abandoned by their crews after they they had become either immobilized by the mud or by mechanical failures.  From January 24 to the end of April, schwere Panzerabteilung claimed over 500 kills on enemy armor and ended it's first deployment with only seven Tigers remaining operational, the remainder being lost in the fierce fighting they were almost continually engaged in. In late April "Panzer Regiment Bake" was disbanded and by early May, 1944 the remaining members of schwere Panzerabteilung 503 turned over their remaining Tiger I's to schwere Panzerabteilung 509 and returned to Ohrdruf, Germany for a well deserved rest and refitting.

During May and June 1944 schwere Panzerabteilung 503 refilled it's ranks and received 45 brand new Tigers, including 12 of the new Tiger II Ausf. B's. These were assigned to the 1st Company, which is the subject of this build.....

Members of the 503rd in France, 1944

THE COMPONENTS:
I have chosen Tamiya's 1/35 version of this great AFV for two reasons: 1) - Tamiya's ability to precisely recreate details through molding versus Dragon's method of achieving detail through virtually twice as many pieces .... this leads us to reason number 2) - "Build-ability" .... the construction of Tamiya's sub-assemblies are by far, in my opinion, both less time consuming and as stated earlier, more precise - offering better fitting components and far less molding seam / flash removal. For this build I will be using the Tamiya MM 169 #35169 - "Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.B / SdKfz.182 / Porsche Turm" ©1993.

I have purchased several aftermarket "Enhancements" for this build and they are as follows:
1/35 RB Model 8.8cm KwK 43/2 L/71 King Tiger B (Porsche Turm) Barrel -

1/35 Griffon Model #L35017 WWII German King Tiger (Porsche & Henschel Turret) for Dragon and Tamiya -

1/35 Eduard #35564 Zimmerit King Tiger Porsche Turret for Tamiya -

1/35 Archer Transfers #AR35266 German Fire Extinguisher Placards -

1/35 Dragon Figure Set #6191 "Achtung Jabo!" Panzer Crew -

1/35 MiniArt #35010 German Tank Crew at Work - (I selected both figure sets for their "Reed Green Panzer Uniform, Drill")

I have also purchased various Hornet Headsets, some of which will be used for this build. I am still undecided about replacing the stock Tamiya track, it is well cast and very detailed but the urge is to upgrade to Friulmodel metal track but that would add at least another $40.00 to the project. I think that I will see what I can do with the Tamiya "Rubber Band" track before I make any more investments!

THE BUILD:
I commenced this build by gluing the suspension arms to the hull and followed by assembling the road wheels and rear return rollers - the upper and lower hull sections aren't attached to sprue and are very clean and devoid of any casting evidence -

Here is a shot with the road wheels "Dry Fitted" in position. Note the two hubs, there are a total of 18, one for each road wheel -

Despite Tamiya's best efforts towards low tolerances, I'll have to do some minor filling on the front end of the hull side in the area where the sprocket assembly attaches. Although virtually unseen once the sprocket assembly, track and fenders are attached, I can't, in good conscience let this pass -

I put together the turret top and bottom pieces today and got the RB Model 8.8cm KwK 43/2 L/71 as well. The Tamiya gun collar did require a small amount of "Dremel Routing" to gain the proper fit.

That's one fine looking gun!

With the gun fitted, the need for some filling and shaping of the gun collar has become apparent.

As is my usual practice, I will work in "Sub Assemblies" on this project, starting with the turret. I will complete the entire turret, except for the painting and weathering (which will be done once all of the sub assemblies are finished and the entire kit has been completed), including the Griffon Photo Etch Detail Set and the Eduard Photo Etch Zimmerit.

Reed Green Denim Drill Panzer Uniform
There are several photos of 503rd soldiers wearing the Reed Green Denim Panzer Uniform. Here is a picture of an original tunic - Note the collar patches and epaulettes.

Picked back up on the turret work today. Added the Eduard PE Zimmerit with great results!

Next on the build agenda is to start adding the Griffon PE parts to the turret .......

The Luftwaffe's 20mm MG FF cannon

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 14:46:29 +0100

20mm MG FF Aircraft Gun

The MG FF was a drum-fed, 20 mm aircraft autocannon, developed in 1936 by Ikaria Werke Berlin of Germany. It was a derivative of the Swiss Oerlikon FF F cannon, itself a development of the German World War I Becker 20 mm cannon, and was designed to be used in fixed or flexible mountings, as both an offensive and a defensive weapon. It saw widespread use in those roles by the German Luftwaffe, particularly during the early stages of World War II, although from 1941 onwards it was gradually replaced by the 20 mm MG151/20.

Restored MG FF sans Drum

The MG FF fired a 134 g projectile with a muzzle velocity of some 600 m/s and a rate of fire of about 520 rounds per minute. The MG FF/M fired a 90 g HE/M (high explosive mine shell) projectile with a muzzle velocity of c. 700 m/s and a rate of fire of c. 540 rounds per minute. AP, HE and incendiary projectiles were also available (115 to 117 g projectiles, 585 m/s, c. 520 rpm) because the mine-shot was not capable of holding incendiary or tracer parts.

20x80RB (MG FF/M Round)

In 1940 the MG FF was adapted to fire a new type of high-capacity, high-explosive shell, the Minegeschoss. This round featured thinner walls that allowed an increased explosive charge but by being lighter and generating less recoil than the earlier style, this new round necessitated modification to the guns recoil system. This new model was designated the MG FF/M and was introduced on the Bf109 E4 and the Bf110 C4 in the Summer of 1940.

The MG FF/M used on the Fw190 with the MG151/20

The MG FF and FF/M saw widespread use in fighters such as the Bf 109 E-3 to F-1, Bf 110 C to F, and Fw 190 A-1 to A-5. The Fw 190 was typically fitted with an inboard pair of MG 151 and an outboard pair of MG FF, although the MG FF were sometimes removed in the field in order to save weight. The cannon was also fitted to bombers such as the Do 217, Ju 88, He 111, Do 17, as well as many other aircraft. Although the MG FF was often replaced with the 20 mm MG 151/20 from 1941 onwards, it saw a come-back in 1943 as the primary Schräge Musik gun in the Bf 110 night fighters, as it perfectly fitted into the rear cockpit.

Loading the MG FF 20mm Aircraft Cannon

Compared to rival designs, such as the Hispano-Suiza HS.404 - which had been developed from the larger Oerlikon FF S - the MG FF had some disadvantages, such as low rate of fire and low muzzle velocity, as well as limited ammunition storage in its drums. On the other hand, it was much lighter and shorter. Wing installation on the Bf109 and Fw190 fighters was not easy, as the drum required substantial space, and as a consequence the ammunition storage was initially reduced to 60 shells per drum. An ammunition drum of 90-round nominal capacity was developed for the Fw 190 A-5, and retrofitted to some earlier variants. There were also experiments with belt fed models but none entered service.

The "BZE 39" Igniting Fuse

Sat, 12 May 2012 11:55:29 +0100

The Brennzunder Eifer 1939 Grenade Fuse consisted of a small, cylindrical metal tube containing match composition with a friction wire passing through it and a delay pellet at the bottom. The friction wire has a pull lanyard attached and connected to the cap.

The cap is unscrewed and pulled sharply to initiate the delay. The fuses were made in four different delay times with those delay times denoted by cap color: Red - 1 second; Blue - 4.5 seconds (standard fuse); Yellow - 7.5 seconds; Grey - 10 seconds.
The BZE 39 Igniting Fuse was used on the Model 39 "Egg" Grenade:

The M43 "Stick" Grenade:

and the "Hafthohlladong" Anti-Armour Mine:

rb

Two Base Colors?

Sun, 06 May 2012 13:39:04 +0100

One of six shades of "Dunkelgelb"

For years I have been under the belief that there just weren't anymore than about a half dozen colors of paint ever used on World War 2 German AFVs and Soft Skins. We grew up with the knowledge that everything early war (1939 - 42) was Panzer Grau.

In the early 80's I saw some color illustrations of a Pre-War Panzer I in a three color gray / green / brown scheme - that nearly blew my mind! The rule of thumb was: Grey until Feb. 43 except for Afrika Korps, which could be everything from Grey to Grey with Desert Brown overlay to Desert Brown to Dunkelgelb with Pea Green overlay to Grunbraun (RAL 8000)

In February 1943 onward all AFVs leaving the factory would receive a base coat of Dunkelgelb (RAL 7028) - this where it begins to get complicated. There were two additional shades of RAL 7028, RAL 7028a and RAL 7028b, Apparently all three shade were used consecutively until the end of the war.

As if three shades of dark yellow weren't confusing enough, enter "Dunkelgelb nach Muster" - also in three official shades: RAL 1011, RAL 1011a and RAL 1011b. These were also factory applied as a base coat from 43 - 45.

So if you thought that you knew it all about Factory Base Coats .... As I did, we were all wrong! That's what I love about this hobby, after nearly 50 years of modeling I still learn something new every day!

For more about German Vehicle and Luftwaffe paint colors and schemes please visit the "Tips" page HERE >
http://www.razorboyminiatures.com/tips.php

The M38 Tanker Helmet

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:19:35 +0100

Sherman Crew wearing the M38 at Ft. Knox, 1942

The M38 "Helmet, Tank" was developed in 1938 meeting the following criteria: 1) fits inside an M-1 helmet when shrapnel protection is needed; 2) equipped with microphone and earphones, with connecting jacks; 3) protected the crewman's head from hits on the steel interior. It first saw service in early 1942.

M38 with M44 Issue Goggles It was made of rubberized fibre/leather with a thicker band of leather stitched around the rim. An inner suspension was made of a cross of soft leather straps. Ten 3/4 inch ventilation holes helped keep heat down while the back of the head was protected by a neck flap of the same material as the cap.

Interior

Side ear pieces were loosely attached, each with an R-14 earphone built into a center hole. The ear flaps could be worn flipped up, but inside a tank the noise level was so high that you could hear nothing unless the earphones were right against your ears. Side spring-loaded tabs held the earflaps tightly to the ears when that was desired. R-14 Earphones

The M38 was generally issued including the T-30 Throat Microphone

The T-30 throat microphone was the most commonly used tank microphone in WW2. This carbon microphone was strapped around the wearer's neck with the two 1" round pickups made of black rubber contacting the wearer's throat near his Adam's Apple. It was anchored around the neck with an elastic strap. The pickups transmitted sound vibrations as the wearer spoke and allowed voices to be heard over the background noise inherent within a noisy battle environment. The T-30 microphone had a small two pronged PL291 plug which was connected to a JK-48 jack on a SW-141 "Push to talk" switch. M38 Complete Rb

The Tank Destruction Badge

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:38:35 +0100

The Tank Destruction Badge was called "Das Sonderabzeichen fur das Niederkampfen von Panzerkampfwagen usw. durch einzeldampfer in German, which translates as "Special award for the destruction of a tank etc. by an individual fighter." The TDB could be awarded to any person regardless of rank of branch of service.

Towards the end of the war, TDB's were awarded to Kriegsmarine personnel who found themselves without ships or submarines and who were hastily thrown into battle as infantry. Numerous awards were also made to Hitler Jugend and Volkssturm units in defence of the Reich.

There were two grades of TDB's:
Gold - Awarded for the single handed destruction of five enemy tanks by use of a hand held weapon.
Silver - Awarded for the single handed destruction of an enemy tank by use of a hand held weapon.

There are no records listing how many TDB's were actually awarded throughout the war but it is known that the highest number of individual kills by one man was twenty one, and was obtained by Knight's Cross holder Oberleutnant Gunther Viezenz serving in the 252 Infanterie Division. Oberleutnant Viezenz survived the war joining the Bundeswehr in 1956, retiring at the rank of Oberst on March 30, 1980. He died in Cologne, Germany on January 14, 1999.

Although most kills were undoubtedly made using one of four versions of the Panzerfaust -

There were numerous other weapons in use that accounted for the balance of the kills -

Interior Construction Commences -

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:12:23 +0100

I am constructing just enough of the interior to allow the "Fitting" of the crew members. The radio operator and driver figures coming first.

The transmission / radio sub-assembly in place .....

"Eichenlaubmuster"

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 17:30:12 +0100

Also Known as Oak Leaf Pattern, Dapple camouflage. First Issue 1941, Used until 1945

Known items: Zeltbahn, Helmet Cover, Smock M40, M42, Cap M43, reversible parka and over trousers. Also used for camouflage uniforms, probably both M43 and M44, tank wrap jacket and tank crew overalls.

Academy Tiger I - First Snag .......... 30 seconds in!

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:50:08 +0100

If you have the Academy Tiger be advised, there will be some fitting necessary -

In lieu of opening up the female ends on the axle pieces I opted for shaving off the little troublemakers on the hull piece

Not exactly the exemplary start I had hoped for .....

"Battle Hardened"

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:46:17 +0100

Great picture of 4 members of a panzer crew - Kursk, 1943. Note the gunner with his hat on backwards.