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.

On November 1, 1940 the 19th Panzer Division was created from the re- organization of the 19th Infantry Division. In mid July 1941 the 19th Pz. Div was relocated to the central sector of the Eastern Front. By the end of November 1942 278 Marder III’s had been delivered. They remained in the area until December 1942 when they were sent south to eventually become part of “Operational Citadel” that is probably more commonly referred to as “The Battle of Kursk”. Even though the Germans had gathered 900,000 soldiers, 10,000 artillery guns, 2,700 tanks and 2,000 aircraft they suffered heavy losses because the Soviets knew when and where the battle would take place.

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 HG4104 German Marder III 19th Pz. Div., 19th Tank Destroyer Bttn. USSR Winter 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