PzKpfw III
PzKpfw III RC Tanks in 1:16 Scale
HengLong combines BB and IR in a single model, while the Torro Pro Edition focuses on one deliberately chosen combat system, more metal and a turret that rotates a full 360°. Compare every PzKpfw III RC tank at a glance and find the model that suits you.
Which edition suits you?
| Feature | Torro Pro Edition | HengLong BB+IR |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Collectors who want more metal and one deliberately chosen combat system | Entry level and two-player battles — both systems on board from the start (Ready to Run) |
| Combat system | BB or IR — the barrel holds either the BB firing unit or the IR transmitter together with the muzzle flash | BB+IR combined |
| Metal equipment | Tracks, drive and idler wheels, road wheels, lower hull and combat turret in metal + 3-in-1 metal gearbox | Metal tracks + metal gearbox only on the metal-track versions, otherwise plastic |
| Turret rotation | 360° | 320° (160° per side) |
| Barrel recoil & muzzle flash | on the IR versions | — |
| Charging | NiMH battery + charger 7.2 V, 400 mA, German standard | Battery + USB charging cable |
| Paint finish | Grey with airbrush finish or unpainted | Grey (Ausf. L) or sand (Ausf. H) |
BB+IR, BB or IR on the PzKpfw III?
The platform determines whether both systems are combined or you make a deliberate choice.
Both in one HengLong model
The BB firing function and the infrared combat system are combined in the HengLong versions.
Show BB+IRHits without a projectile
The Torro IR versions fight their battles with an invisible infrared beam — against vehicles of the same series. Every shot is marked by barrel recoil and muzzle flash.
Show IR6 mm firing function
The Torro BB versions fire 6 mm plastic pellets up to 25 metres — matching ammunition is also available biodegradable.
Show BBThe models at a glance
| Variant | Edition | System | Tracks & gearbox | Barrel recoil & muzzle flash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ausf. L grey IR | Torro Pro (Ausf. L) | IR | Metal tracks + metal gearbox | ✓ |
| Ausf. L grey BB | Torro Pro (Ausf. L) | BB | Metal tracks + metal gearbox | – |
| Unpainted IR | Torro Pro | IR | Metal tracks + metal gearbox | ✓ |
| Unpainted BB | Torro Pro | BB | Metal tracks + metal gearbox | – |
| Ausf. L grey | HengLong (Ausf. L) | BB+IR | Plastic tracks + plastic gearbox | – |
| Ausf. L grey (metal tracks) | HengLong (Ausf. L) | BB+IR | Metal tracks + metal gearbox | – |
| Ausf. H sand | HengLong (Ausf. H) | BB+IR | Plastic tracks + plastic gearbox | – |
| Ausf. H sand (metal tracks) | HengLong (Ausf. H) | BB+IR | Metal tracks + metal gearbox | – |
The two painted German-grey versions of the Pro Edition (Ausf. L grey IR and Ausf. L grey BB) also come in a Torro wooden box for transport and storage.
Spare parts & upgrades for the PzKpfw III
For the PzKpfw III there are both spare parts and metal upgrades — each in its own category.
Spare parts
For wear and defects: tracks, idler wheels, hulls, headlights and more.
Upgrade parts
Upgrade with metal: tracks, road wheels, turret rings and more.
Unsure? Support is happy to help: service@torro.de
Vehicle fileSD.KFZ. 141 / PZ.KPFW. III
DevelopmentSeries–
History: The Panzerkampfwagen III
In 1941, the most important German tank on the Eastern Front
The Panzerkampfwagen III grew out of development contracts that the Heereswaffenamt awarded in 1935 to Krupp, MAN, Rheinmetall and Daimler-Benz; in 1936 Daimler-Benz received the contract for development and production. From 1936 to 1943, around 5,700 units left the assembly line.
The armament grew as the war went on: the initial 3.7 cm cannon was followed by the short 5 cm KwK 38 L/42 and, from December 1941, the long 5 cm KwK 39 L/60. The Ausf. H kept the short 5 cm cannon but received 30 mm of additional armour; the Ausf. L got the long 5 cm KwK 39 and a turret front reinforced to 57 mm. In the tank battalions, the Panzer III initially made up the three light companies and the Panzer IV the fourth — later the roles were swapped. During the attack on the Soviet Union in 1941, the Panzer III was the most important German tank, and in North Africa it carried much of the combat load.
Frequently asked questions about the PzKpfw III
Short answers for choosing the model and system.
What is the difference between BB and IR on the PzKpfw III?
The Torro BB versions fire 6 mm plastic pellets up to 25 metres. The Torro IR versions fight their battles with an invisible infrared beam — against vehicles of the same series. The two Pro IR models (Ausf. L grey IR and unpainted IR) additionally have barrel recoil and muzzle flash. The HengLong models combine BB and IR in one vehicle. Matching 6 mm ammunition is also available biodegradable — in white and green.
What are the advantages of the Torro Pro Edition?
Metal equipment with tracks, drive and idler wheels, road wheels, lower hull and combat turret in metal, plus the 3-in-1 metal gearbox and a turret that rotates a full 360°. The paintwork is applied by airbrush — or you choose the unpainted version as a basis for your own finish. The IR versions additionally bring barrel recoil and muzzle flash, and charging is handled via the charger at 7.2 V, 400 mA to German standard.
What are the advantages of the HengLong BB+IR edition?
Both combat systems in one model (BB and IR), Ready to Run with battery and USB charging cable. Plus machine-gun sound that can be switched via the transmitter, and a smoke unit. On request, the Ausf. L and Ausf. H are also available with metal tracks and metal gearbox.
When are the metal-track versions worth it?
Metal tracks add noticeably more weight to the hull — the model sits more firmly on the ground and the driving behaviour feels considerably more realistic. They are also much more robust than plastic tracks and do not break even under intensive use. On the Torro Pro Edition they are fitted as standard; on HengLong only on the Ausf. versions with the addition 'metal tracks'.
Do the PzKpfw III models have a smoke function?
Yes — all PzKpfw III models produce driving/exhaust smoke from the exhaust pipes, on the Torro Pro Edition via the smoke generator, on HengLong via the smoke unit, each with smoke fluid. Cannon smoke when firing is something different and is not included on the PzKpfw III versions — models with cannon smoke are listed in the overview BB with cannon smoke.
How long does the PzKpfw III run on one battery charge?
That depends on the model, the battery and the functions used — smoke and the firing function draw more energy. Running and charging times can be calculated with the battery calculator for RC tanks.
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