Name: Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Early 1:35 Model Kit by Hobby Boss
Brand: SCH Models
SKU: HBB80169
Price: 41.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Early 1:35 Model Kit by Hobby Boss

£41.99

Model Features

1:35 scale plastic model kit
Accurately represents the German Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Early Production, one of the most effective improvised anti-tank vehicles of the Second World War
Detailed representation of the Geschützwagen 38(t) Ausf.M chassis with the improved mid-mounted engine layout
Highly detailed open-top fighting compartment with realistic interior features
Accurate reproduction of the powerful 7.5cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun with detailed gun breech and mounting system
Includes ammunition racks and interior fighting compartment details
Detailed hull with realistic armour plates, weld lines, and surface textures
Accurately reproduced sloped armour protection around the fighting compartment
Detailed suspension system with accurately moulded road wheels, sprockets, and idlers
Individual track links included for realistic track sag and positioning
Detailed engine deck, exhaust system, tools, and external fittings
Includes photo-etched parts for enhanced scale realism
Metal gun barrel included for improved accuracy
Waterslide decal sheet featuring authentic German WWII marking options
Precision-moulded parts for a highly detailed build
Ideal for German WWII armour collections, Eastern Front displays, or open-top vehicle diorama projects.

Specifications

Brand: Hobby Boss
Scale: 1:35
Subject: Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 Early Production
Material: Injection-moulded plastic
Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced modellers
Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
Recommended Age: 14+
Parts: 500+
Photo-Etched Parts: Included
Metal Parts: Metal gun barrel included
Track Type: Individual track links
Model Length: Approximately 148mm
Model Width: Approximately 61mm
Kit Number: 80169

What's in the Box

Plastic sprues
Detailed lower hull and superstructure components
Open-top fighting compartment interior
7.5cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun assembly
Detailed gun breech and mounting parts
Ammunition storage and crew compartment details
Individual track links
Suspension and running gear components
Engine deck and exhaust components
Photo-etched detail parts
Metal gun barrel
Waterslide decal sheet with German WWII markings
Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Vehicle

The Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.138 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 Czechoslovak Panzer 38(t) chassis, the Marder III combined proven mobility with powerful anti-tank firepower.

By 1942, German forces were facing increasingly well-armoured opponents, particularly the Soviet T-34 and KV series 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 Marder family.

The Marder III Ausf.M was introduced in 1943 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 Geschützwagen 38(t) Ausf.M 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.

The vehicle was armed with the highly effective 7.5cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun, 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.

Powered by the reliable Praga AC six-cylinder petrol engine, 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.

Approximately 1,000 Marder III Ausf.M vehicles were produced between 1943 and 1944. They served primarily with German anti-tank units on the Eastern Front, 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.

Despite 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 Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer, which used a similar Czech-designed chassis but provided significantly better crew protection.

The 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.

Today, 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.