Tamiya 35060 - 1:35 Sd.Kfz.131 Marder II German Tank Destroyer

Plastic model kit of the German Sd.Kfz. 131 Marder II tank destroyer in 1:35 scale

In the winter of 1941-1942 the German armoured divisions needed a mobile weapon capable of dealing with the Soviet T-34 and KV tanks. The answer was the Marder II - a heavy 7.5 cm PaK 40/2 anti-tank gun mounted in an open-topped superstructure on the proven chassis of the Panzer II light tank.

Tamiya 35060 comes from a 1971 mould. It reproduces the vehicle's distinctive tall silhouette with the sloping gun shield plates and the Panzer II running gear. The fighting compartment carries basic interior detail: the inner face of the armour plate, the radio shelf, an ammunition box, shells and spent cases. The gun elevates and depresses, and the barrel travel lock can be built in either the firing or the travelling position.

What is in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, superstructure, gun and running gear
• Vinyl band tracks
• Two figures
• Fighting compartment fittings: radio shelf, ammunition box, shells and spent cases
• Barrel travel lock that can be fitted in two positions
• Decal sheet for six marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35060
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Length when built: 175 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This is a kit for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The build goes smoothly thanks to the clear kit engineering and good parts fit. Because the fighting compartment is open at the top, it pays to paint the interior, shells and cases before the gun shield is closed up, as access is limited afterwards. The vinyl band tracks are joined with cyanoacrylate glue; plastic cement will not bond them.

Dark yellow (e.g. Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow) suits Eastern Front vehicles of 1943, while German grey (e.g. XF-63 German Grey) fits the earlier period. German vehicle interiors were usually painted a light cream white, which also helps the details inside the superstructure to read clearly. Decals go down best over a gloss coat, and a matt varnish with a wash will bring out the rivets and the recesses of the running gear.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the vinyl band tracks
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle - Sd.Kfz. 131 Marder II:

The encounter with the T-34 and KV-1 in the summer of 1941 showed that the standard German anti-tank guns were helpless against them. The response was the Marder family of improvised tank destroyers, in which heavy anti-tank guns were mounted on available chassis withdrawn from front-line service.

The Marder II (Sd.Kfz. 131) was created by fitting the 7.5 cm PaK 40/2 gun onto the chassis of the Panzer II light tank. The open-topped, thinly armoured superstructure protected the crew only from splinters and small arms fire, but the vehicle had the firepower to destroy virtually any Allied tank of the period at normal combat ranges.

Production began in June 1942 and 531 examples of this version were built. The Marder II fought mainly on the Eastern Front, used in ambush tactics and mobile defence, and also in North Africa and in Western Europe. Its tall silhouette and light armour demanded careful crews and skilful use of terrain.

Original vehicle specifications (Sd.Kfz. 131 Marder II):

• Combat weight: approx. 10.8 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 7.5 cm PaK 40/2 anti-tank gun
• Engine: Maybach HL 62 TRM petrol, approx. 140 hp
• Chassis: Panzer II light tank
• Superstructure: open-topped, lightly armoured
• Production: from June 1942, 531 built

About the manufacturer - Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the heart of the Japanese model industry. It began as a timber business and released its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came the 1:35 scale tank that established this scale as the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds, well thought out kit engineering and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of items covering vehicles, guns and figures from the Second World War and the modern era. Alongside kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.