Tank destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Marder III Ausf.M late version 1:35 Hobby Boss 80168

Plastic model kit: Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Marder III Ausf.M late version 1:35 Hobby Boss 80168

We present the plastic model kit of the tank destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Marder III Ausf.M in 1:35 scale, produced by the renowned company Hobby Boss. This detailed model kit allows you to recreate one of the German tank destroyers from World War II.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalog number: 80168
• Model dimensions: Length: 148.2 mm, Width: 61 mm
• Number of sprues: 10 sprues and lower hull
• Metal parts: Gun barrel
• Photo-etched parts: 1 piece
• Individual tracks
• Hull and turret molded using multi-slide technology

Historical description: The Marder III Ausf.M was the last version of the Marder series, based on the Geschutzwagen 38(t) Ausf. M chassis, specially designed for mounting self-propelled guns. Equipped with the German 7.5 cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun, the Marder III Ausf.M represented a significant improvement over earlier models. By relocating the engine to the middle of the vehicle, the fighting compartment could be lowered, reducing visibility and the crew's exposure to fire. 

The Marder III was a response to the need for a more mobile and effective anti-tank solution that arose during Operation Barbarossa. Early German anti-tank guns were unable to effectively combat new Soviet tanks such as the T-34 and KV-1. The Marder III, despite its thin armor protection, offered significant firepower capable of destroying well-armored targets.

Combat application: The Marder III Ausf.M was used on all European fronts and in North Africa. In February 1945, around 350 units of this version were still in service. These vehicles were used by Panzerjager units in the armored divisions of the Wehrmacht and Waffen SS, as well as by some Luftwaffe units.

The Marder III was mechanically reliable, which was a characteristic feature of vehicles based on the Czechoslovak LT-38 chassis. Its main weakness was low survivability on the battlefield, resulting from its high silhouette and open fighting compartment, making it vulnerable to artillery fire and air attacks.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.