Tamiya 35248 - 1:35 Marder III

Plastic model kit of the Marder III (Sd.Kfz.139) tank destroyer in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35248 depicts the Marder III (Sd.Kfz.139) – a German tank destroyer created as a stopgap solution. A captured Soviet 7.62 cm anti-tank gun, rebored and designated the 7.62 cm PaK 36(r), was mounted on the chassis of the obsolete Czech 38(t) tank. The open-topped fighting compartment housed the gun and its crew. The model faithfully captures the vehicle's characteristic tall shape.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, superstructure and running-gear parts
• 7.62 cm PaK 36(r) gun with a reproduced breech
• Open-topped fighting compartment
• Reproduced road wheels and tracks
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35248
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 174 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. It is worth painting the open fighting compartment in stages before closing the structure, to keep access to the gun. Emphasise the final result with a wash, dry-brushing and weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – Marder III (Sd.Kfz.139):

The Marder III was created as a quick answer to the problem of the German forces' inadequate anti-tank weaponry against Soviet T-34 tanks. Using the proven 38(t) chassis and the large number of captured 7.62 cm guns allowed production of a mobile tank destroyer to start quickly.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length: approx. 5.85 m
• Width: approx. 2.2 m
• Height: approx. 2.5 m
• Combat weight: approx. 10.7 t
• Powerplant: inline-six petrol engine, approx. 125 hp
• Max speed: approx. 42 km/h
• Armament: 7.62 cm PaK 36(r) gun; machine gun
• Crew: 4
• Feature: tank destroyer on the 38(t) chassis with a captured gun

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.