The Modelling News: Preview: Trumpeter's AH-64A Apache Late & Pz.Bef.Wg.Fahrgestell Pz.Kpfw.III.Ausf.J in October

An up-armoured (up-sized) Panzer III & a late "A" model Apache are the subjects of Trumpeter's October items. We look at the colours, decals & build up kits in our preview...

Preview: Two more releases from Trumpeter in October

AH-64A Apache Late

by Trumpeter

Model: 05115

1/35th scale

The AH-64A Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting, airborne weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces. The Apache has been designed to fight and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world. The principal intended mission of the Apache is the destruction of high-value targets with the HELLFIRE missile, primarily hostile armour.

The colour schemes presented in this kit

The decals in the box

It is also capable of employing a 30mm M230 chain gun and the Hydra 70 (2.75 inch) family of rockets that are lethal against a wide variety of targets. The Apache has a full range of aircraft survivability equipment and has the ability to withstand hits from rounds up to 23mm in critical areas. The AH-64 is air transportable in the C-5, C-141 and C-17. The AH-64 with a tandem-seated crew consisting of the pilot, located in the rear cockpit position and the co-pilot gunner (CPG), located in the front position.

Model Length: 426.8mm / Rotor Diameter:416.3mm

Total Parts: 370+

Total of 9 sprues and tires

-Left and right fuselage moulded w/authentic details

-Finely detailed cockpit

-Finely detailed rotors

-Photo-etched parts included

Masks included for the transparencies

The kit built up by Trumpeter's model makers

Pz.Bef.Wg.Fahrgestell Pz.Kpfw.III.Ausf.J

by Trumpeter

Model:00955

1/16th scale

The Panzer III was developed in the 1930s by Germany and was used extensively in World War II. The official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen III Sd.Kfz. 141 (abbreviated Pz.Kpfw III) translating as "armoured fighting vehicle". It was intended to fight other armoured fighting vehicles and serve alongside the support Panzer IV; however, as the Germans faced the formidable T-34, stronger anti-tank guns were needed. Since the Panzer IV had a bigger turret ring, the roles were reversed.

The colour schemes presented in this kit

The decals in the box

The Panzer IV mounted the long barrelled 7.5 cm KwK 40 gun and engaged in tank-to-tank battles. The Panzer III became obsolete in this role and for most purposes was supplanted by the Panzer IV. From 1942, the last version of Panzer III mounted the 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24, better suited for infantry support. Production of the Panzer III ended in 1943. However, the Panzer III's capable chassis provided hulls for the Sturmgeschütz III assault gun until the end of the war.