Ground Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>Marder III>HG4108
German Tank Destroyer Marder III near the village of Karmanowo, Summer 1942
General Background
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.
Specifications :
| 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 |