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.

In June 1941 when Germany invaded the Soviet Union it wasn’t long before they realized the T-34 and KV-1 were formidable weapons against their panzers. The Wehrmacht needed many anti-tank weapons and one solution was the creation of the Sd.Kfz. 139 Marder III anti-tank gun using captured Soviet 7.62 cm guns mounted on older Czech- built 38(t) tank chassis. The Marder III didn’t offer much protection for the 4-man crew but it was a mobile anti-tank weapon that was much needed in 1942 and 1943. There were 363 Marder IIIs produced.

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 HG4105 German Destroyer Marder III Eastern Front, summer 1943

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