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.


The 15th Panzer Division was comprised of many units with one being the 33rd Tank
Destroyer Battalion. In the Spring of 1941 the 15th was sent to Libya as one of two
divisions of Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Corps. The 15th fought in all but one of the North
Africa battles. They arrived too late for the first one when Rommel captured Benghazi.
The 15th did take part in recapturing Benghazi. The division finally was defeated and
destroyed in May 1943 when the only fuel available for their engines was Tunisian wine.


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
HG4102 - German Tank Destroyer Marder III    
15th Pz. Div., 33rd Tank Destroyer Bttn., North Africa 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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15th Panzer Division