Tamiya 35255 - 1:35 Marder III M - German Tank Destroyer

Plastic model kit of the Marder III M (Sd.Kfz.138 Ausf.M) tank destroyer in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35255 depicts the Marder III M (Sd.Kfz.138 Ausf.M) – a German tank destroyer on the chassis of the Czech 38(t) tank. Characteristic of the M variant is the layout with the engine moved to the centre of the hull (hence the 'M' designation, from Mitte – middle) and a rear fighting compartment housing the 7.5 cm PaK 40/3 gun. The model stands out with its reproduced fighting-compartment interior – with the gun breech, shell racks and radio. A figure is included.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, superstructure and running-gear parts
• 7.5 cm PaK 40/3 gun
• Reproduced fighting-compartment interior (gun breech, shell racks, radio)
• A small photo-etched part with the engine-deck grille mesh, plus a figure
• Rubber tracks, decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35255
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 149.5 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 reproduced fighting-compartment interior before closing the structure. The small photo-etched part with the engine-deck grille mesh is fitted with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue. 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)
• A small photo-etched part is best fitted with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue

About the vehicle – Marder III M (Sd.Kfz.138 Ausf.M):

The Marder III M was the last and most refined version of the Marder III family of tank destroyers, produced from May 1943. Moving the engine to the centre of the hull and placing the fighting compartment at the rear improved the crew layout and access to the 7.5 cm PaK 40/3 gun. 942 such vehicles were built.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length: approx. 4.95 m
• Width: approx. 2.15 m
• Height: approx. 2.48 m
• Combat weight: approx. 10.5 t
• Powerplant: inline-six petrol engine, approx. 150 hp
• Max speed: approx. 42 km/h
• Armament: 7.5 cm PaK 40/3 gun; machine gun
• Crew: 4
• Feature: central engine and rear fighting compartment (Ausf.M variant)

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.