{"product_id":"marder-iii-ausf-m-tank-destroyer-sd-kfz-138-early-1-35-model-kit-by-hobby-boss","title":"Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Early 1:35 Model Kit by Hobby Boss","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1:35 scale plastic model kit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAccurately represents the German \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Early Production\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, one of the most effective improvised anti-tank vehicles of the Second World War\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDetailed representation of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeschützwagen 38(t) Ausf.M chassis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with the improved mid-mounted engine layout\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighly detailed open-top fighting compartment with realistic interior features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAccurate reproduction of the powerful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7.5cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with detailed gun breech and mounting system\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes ammunition racks and interior fighting compartment details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetailed hull with realistic armour plates, weld lines, and surface textures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccurately reproduced sloped armour protection around the fighting compartment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetailed suspension system with accurately moulded road wheels, sprockets, and idlers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividual track links included for realistic track sag and positioning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetailed engine deck, exhaust system, tools, and external fittings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes photo-etched parts for enhanced scale realism\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMetal gun barrel included for improved accuracy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWaterslide decal sheet featuring authentic German WWII marking options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecision-moulded parts for a highly detailed build\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal for German WWII armour collections, Eastern Front displays, or open-top vehicle diorama projects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrand:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hobby Boss\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScale:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1:35\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubject:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Early Production\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Injection-moulded plastic\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSkill Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Suitable for intermediate to advanced modellers\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaint \u0026amp; Glue Required:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Yes (sold separately)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Age:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 14+\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParts:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 500+\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoto-Etched Parts:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Included\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMetal Parts:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Metal gun barrel included\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrack Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Individual track links\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel Length:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 148mm\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel Width:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 61mm\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKit Number:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 80169\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlastic sprues\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetailed lower hull and superstructure components\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpen-top fighting compartment interior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7.5cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun assembly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetailed gun breech and mounting parts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmunition storage and crew compartment details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividual track links\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuspension and running gear components\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEngine deck and exhaust components\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoto-etched detail parts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMetal gun barrel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWaterslide decal sheet with German WWII markings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIllustrated assembly instructions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistory of the Original Vehicle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was the final and most refined version of the Marder III series, developed by Germany during the Second World War to provide a rapid solution to the increasing threat posed by heavily armoured Soviet and Allied tanks. Built on the reliable \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCzechoslovak Panzer 38(t)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e chassis, the Marder III combined proven mobility with powerful anti-tank firepower.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBy 1942, German forces were facing increasingly well-armoured opponents, particularly the Soviet \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eT-34\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKV series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e tanks. Existing German light tanks were becoming less effective in direct combat, creating an urgent need for vehicles capable of mounting more powerful anti-tank weapons. Rather than designing entirely new vehicles, German engineers adapted existing chassis and captured equipment to create a series of interim tank destroyers known collectively as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarder III Ausf.M\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was introduced in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1943\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and represented a major improvement over earlier variants. Unlike previous Marder III versions, which mounted the gun above the rear engine deck, the Ausf.M used the purpose-built \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeschützwagen 38(t) Ausf.M\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e chassis. The engine was relocated to the centre of the vehicle, allowing the fighting compartment to be positioned lower at the rear. This reduced the vehicle's silhouette and provided the crew with a more practical fighting position.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vehicle was armed with the highly effective \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7.5cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, one of Germany's most capable anti-armour weapons of the period. The gun provided sufficient penetration to defeat many Allied and Soviet tanks, including the T-34, at typical combat ranges. However, the open-top design left the crew vulnerable to artillery fragments, infantry weapons, and air attack.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePowered by the reliable \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePraga AC six-cylinder petrol engine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the Marder III Ausf.M retained the excellent mobility characteristics of the Panzer 38(t) chassis. Its compact size, dependable mechanical components, and relatively low production cost made it suitable for rapid deployment across multiple fronts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1,000 Marder III Ausf.M vehicles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e were produced between \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1943 and 1944\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. They served primarily with German anti-tank units on the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEastern Front\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, where they provided much-needed mobile firepower during defensive operations against Soviet armoured formations. The vehicle was also deployed in other theatres where German forces required additional anti-tank capability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDespite its effectiveness, the Marder III Ausf.M was considered an interim design rather than a long-term solution. Its limited armour protection and open fighting compartment made it increasingly vulnerable as Allied armoured vehicles improved. It was eventually replaced by more advanced fully armoured tank destroyers such as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which used a similar Czech-designed chassis but provided significantly better crew protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Marder III Ausf.M nevertheless played an important role in German armoured warfare. It demonstrated the value of combining existing vehicle designs with powerful anti-tank weapons and helped bridge the gap between older tank destroyers and later dedicated designs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday, the Marder III Ausf.M remains a popular modelling subject due to its unusual appearance, exposed gun system, and historical significance. Its combination of Czech engineering, German adaptation, and battlefield practicality makes it a fascinating example of the improvised armoured vehicles used during World War II.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Snapshot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCountry:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Germany\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst Production:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1943\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEntered Service:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1943\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRole:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tank Destroyer \/ Self-Propelled Anti-Tank Gun\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Böhmisch-Mährische Maschinenfabrik (BMM)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrew:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 4\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEngine:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Praga AC six-cylinder petrol engine\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrimary Armament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 7.5cm PaK 40 L\/46 anti-tank gun\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSecondary Armament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Crew-carried MG34 or MG42 machine gun\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum Speed:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 42 km\/h (26 mph)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRange:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 190 km\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an unassembled plastic model kit. Paint, glue, and modelling tools are not included. Recommended for ages 14 and over.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SCH Models","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60093449208142,"sku":"HBB80169","price":41.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1051\/3360\/5198\/files\/FullSizeRender_7c8c501f-3513-439e-91a1-292259e3b1aa.heic?v=1783693705","url":"https:\/\/schmodels.co.uk\/products\/marder-iii-ausf-m-tank-destroyer-sd-kfz-138-early-1-35-model-kit-by-hobby-boss","provider":"SCH Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}