IBG 72059 Bergepanzer II – Easy Assembly Kit

IBG 72059 Bergepanzer II – Easy Assembly Kit

After 1943 the Panzerkampwagen III was no longer a viable battle tank (although the Stug. III continued to be produced throughout the war). In January of 1944 it was therefore decided that all Panzer III returned for overhaul should be instead converted into Bergepanzer. The vehicles were generally equipped with a large anchor which made it at least possible to recover heavy tanks under favorable conditions.

The most visible modifications were the replacement of the turret with a large wooden box (which covered the driver's hatches as well). A large derrick crane was added on the rear deck. Another interesting feature is the near exclusive use of Ostkette on these vehicles. Between March and December of 1944, a total of about 150 Panzer III's were converted. It is interesting to note that as of February 1945, 130 were still listed as available.