Sd.Kfz. 139 Marder III
German WW II Tank Hunter
 

UM, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

UM's 1/72 scale Marder III is available online from Squadron.com

I love these UM kits. Okay, they're not quite the mould quality of Revell or Dragon but they are trying to give the modellers what they want and they are a hell of a lot better than some I could mention. They at times have some small inaccuracies but they are modelling vehicles that the others have largely ignored.

The Sd.Kfz.139 was the first of the Marder IIIs, based on the 38(t) chassis and mounting the Russian 76.2 mm anti tank gun which was called by the Germans a Pak 36(r) and the vehicle was used on all fronts until the end of the conflict.

So, what do we get for our hard earned cash? Because it's based on the 38(t), the lower hull and running gear are the same as the earlier 38(t) and Marder III H kits which have already been reviewed and this accounts for three of the four sprues. The fourth covers the upper hull and gun and those of us who were impressed with the detail on the Marder III H will love this one. Many of the parts are very small and care will have to be taken during assembly. It will also be a good idea to study the instructions before you start and while you build so you know where everything goes.

A problem I've come across before with UM kits is that they supply decals for four or more vehicles but only two are mentioned in the instructions. A German Army Group Centre vehicle, Eastern front, 1943 and a trophy taken by the Russians at Kursk. Similarly, the vehicle in the box-art is neither in the instructions or on the decal sheet. The reference I've used in this review is Wydawnictwo “Militaria” No 175 Marder III and Grille. Both vehicles in the kit's instruction, feature in art-work in the book and both differ in over-all colour scheme and the placement of markings. Quite frankly, I don't know which to bevieve although I'm inclined towards the book.

The PE set is similar to the earlier ones with the perforated equipment box and four guard suports per side and a rather neat rear grill to stop the crew accidentally walking off the back of the vehicle.

The detail level in this kit is very good, not up to the level of the recent Dragon and Revell Hornisse/Nashorn, but still very good. As I've just about completed the UM Marder III H, I'm really looking forward to building this one.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Squadron for the review sample.

Review and Images Copyright © 2005 by Glen Porter
Page Created 25 October, 2005
Last updated 25 October, 2005

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