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.


On November 1, 1940 the 19th Panzer Division was created from the re-organization of
the 19th Infantry Division. In mid July 1941 the 19th Pz. Div was relocated to the central
sector of the Eastern Front. By the end of November 1942 278 Marder III’s had been
delivered. They remained in the area until December 1942 when they were sent south to
eventually become part of “Operational Citadel” that is probably more commonly referred
to as “The Battle of Kursk”. Even though the Germans had gathered 900,000 soldiers,
10,000 artillery guns, 2,700 tanks and 2,000 aircraft they suffered heavy losses because
the Soviets knew when and where the battle would take place.


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
HG4104
German Marder III
19th Pz. Div., 19th Tank Destroyer Bttn.
USSR Winter 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
If you arrived at this page using a
search engine or a link from another
site please click on the home button
once during your visit so my visitor
counter will add your visit.
Thank you.
HOBBY  MASTER  COLLECTOR