In 1941 while invading the USSR the German generals realized that their tanks were no
match for the new Soviet T34 and KV-1. While new German tanks were being developed
and existing tanks upgraded there was a need for a stopgap vehicle. This would be the
Marder III Tank Destroyer (English – Marder means Marten) based on the chassis of the
Czechoslovak Panzer 38(t) and produced in 3 variants, Sd.Kfz.139, Ausf.H, Sd.Kfz.138
and Ausf.M, Sd.Kfz.138. These Tank Destroyers saw action on all battlefronts.


While fighting in France the 7th Panzer Division was referred to as the “Ghost Division”
because of its ability to move so quickly. It entered the USSR in June 1941 and fought at
the Minsk Pocket, Stalingrad Line, the Dvina crossings, Smolensk, the Dnieper
crossings, Vitebsk, Vyasma, Klim and Moscow. They suffered heavy losses and during
the bitter winter of 1941 – 1942 suffered even more. As a result in May of 1942 the 7th
was sent to southern France for R&R.


Specifications - Sd.Kfz.139 Marder III Tank Destroyer

Country of origin – Germany

Number built - 363

Crew – 4, Driver, Radio Operator, Gunner, Commander

Performance
Engine - Praga EPA 6-cylinder producing 125 hp or Praga EPA/2 6-cylinder producing
140 hp
Fuel - 218 litres
Range
On road -185 km
Cross-Country – 140 km
Speed – 42 km/h

Dimensions
Length – 5.85 m
Width – 2.16 m
Height – 2.50 m

Weight – 10,670 kg

Armor – 10 to 50 mm

Armament
(1) 76.2 mm Pak 36(r) L/51 main gun with 30 rounds
(1) 7.92 mm MG37(t) with 1,200 rounds
Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series
HG4101
German Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz.139, Marder III
7th Panzer Div., 42nd Tank Destroyer Bttn., USSR 1942
Authentic Detailing
Pre-Painted by professionals
Accurate paint colors
Markings Tampo (pad) applied
Fully Assembled
Die-Cast Model
True to Scale (1:72)
Weathering and insignias
Main gun can elevate
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