Hobby Master Archive

In 1941 while invading the USSR the German generals realized that their tanks were no match for the new Soviet T34 and KV-1. While new German tanks were being developed and existing tanks upgraded there was a need for a stopgap vehicle. This would be the Marder III Tank Destroyer (English - Marder means Marten) based on the chassis of the Czechoslovak Panzer 38(t) and produced in 3 variants, Sd.Kfz.139, Ausf.H, Sd.Kfz.138 and Ausf.M, Sd.Kfz.138. These Tank Destroyers saw action on all battlefronts.

While fighting in France the 7th Panzer Division was referred to as the “Ghost Division” because of its ability to move so quickly. It entered the USSR in June 1941 and fought at the Minsk Pocket, Stalingrad Line, the Dvina crossings, Smolensk, the Dnieper crossings, Vitebsk, Vyasma, Klim and Moscow. They suffered heavy losses and during the bitter winter of 1941 - 1942 suffered even more. As a result in May of 1942 the 7th was sent to southern France for R&R.

Specifications - Sd.Kfz.139 Marder III Tank Destroyer Country of origin - Germany Number built - 363 Crew - 4, Driver, Radio Operator, Gunner, Commander Performance Engine - Praga EPA 6-cylinder producing 125 hp or Praga EPA/2 6-cylinder producing 140 hp Fuel - 218 litres Range On road -185 km Cross-Country - 140 km Speed - 42 km/h Dimensions Length - 5.85 m Width - 2.16 m Height - 2.50 m Weight - 10,670 kg Armor - 10 to 50 mm Armament (1) 76.2 mm Pak 36(r) L/51 main gun with 30 rounds (1) 7.92 mm MG37(t) with 1,200 rounds

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG4101 German Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.139, Marder III 7th Panzer Div., 42nd Tank Destroyer Bttn. USSR 1942

Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:72) Weathering and insignias Main gun can elevate