Kit, DML 6331, Panzerjäger 38 für 7.5cm PaK40/3 Ausf.H Marder III H “Smart Kit”

DRAGON MODELS LIMITED


Product Specifications.

6331, Panzerjäger 38 für 7.5cm PaK40/3 Ausf.H Marder III H “Smart Kit”. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 403 styrene parts (including 10 clear), one bag of Magic Tracks, one photo-etched brass fret, one stamped etched brass part, one turned aluminum part, four water-slide decal/marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 23 steps.


Introduction.

Following close behind their Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) kit, DML has now released the first of the new Marder III Ausf.H kits to hit the market. Combining parts from their previously-released (and corrected) PaK40, with those from the Aufklärungspanzer 38(t), as well as many new parts for the superstructure and internals, the modeler can now produce a state-of-the-art replica of this self-propelled anti-tank gun.


Tracks.

These are the usual “Magic Tracks” and therefore come as individual links packed loosely in a bag. Each link has an extremely tiny pour pip between the guide horns as well as two very subtle ejector pin marks on the inner face. The fit is very good, but they will not stay together unless they are glued. The guide horns are properly hollow, and the links have a very delicate cast texture. Furthermore, they all have extremely faint casting numbers where appropriate.


Suspension System.

The suspension system is broken down much like most renditions of the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) from other manufacturers; this means that the road-wheels can be depicted in an articulated fashion to conform to terrain on a modeler’s display base. Planning will be needed, since getting the bogies properly positioned and then getting the tracks to look right will be a bit of a challenge. The road-wheels are completely and properly detailed on both their inner and outer faces, while the return rollers have separate mounts and include manufacturer’s name on the rubber tire rims. The idler wheel can be mounted in various positions due to a separate “cranked” axle; this will ease using individual link tracks and therefore it should not be fixed in place until the modeler is satisfied with the fit of the tracks. The drive sprockets are very nicely-detailed to include the ribs and bolt patterns seen between their inner and outer halves; they also come in two styles, one with the extra holes around the rims, the other set without them.


Hull.

DML has taken slide-molding to another level with this part. The hull is the usual pan that includes the side walls molded in place together with the belly plate. There is proper rivet and panel details on the three outer sides, as well as suspension mount details on the side walls. What’s unique here is that there is also molded-on detail on the inner faces of the side walls, in the driver’s and fighting compartment. There is also molded-on detail on the inner surfaces around the area of the drive sprockets. All this makes for a more simplified assembly process with absolutely no compromise in the detail department.


Separate inner and outer bow plates are provided as is a separate rear plate with separate circular access panel. The bow plate receives tow hooks, mounting plates, spare track links and mounting bracket. The new rear plate receives more hooks and mounts as well as track tension adjustment housings (in two styles), exhaust port armored shroud, and finally, the exhaust muffler and smoke candle discharger rack, with their mounts. Missing is the tow cable that wrapped around the hooks situated on the circular access plate.


Superstructure.

From the bow, the glacis plate features a separate transmission access hatch lid, Notek lamp with etched brass mount and lamp face, plus a styrene driver’s rough sight. The superstructure front plate features detailed inner and outer faces, with separate view-port lids; both have clear styrene inserts for vision blocks and etched brass detail parts. A complete multi-part MG37(t) machine gun is also provided; this includes sighting ‘scope and belted ammunition. On the outside of the front plate there is a multi-part travel lock that can be raised to hold the gun tube or lowered for combat.


The engine deck panel is a separate part that features separate engine compartment access hatch lids, separate grills and exhaust system. For this kit, it is a new part that is rigged to receive the PaK40s rear cradle travel lock; this item can be made movable, but be very sparing with the glue! The slide-molded access hatch lids feature separate end parts with rivet detail as well as etched brass frames and screens for their undersides. The grill gets nicely done etched brass parts for the screens and the blanking plate that slid into place for cold-weather starting or to provide heated air to the fighting compartment. Two rectangular parts are given to represent the two small seats for the gunner/commander and loader. They lack any cushion detail as seen in photos; this can be easily added using A+B epoxy putty and styrene for the two prominent studs seen on their faces.


Above the engine deck is fitted the new parts for the perforated work platform, complete with weld details on its underside. These come from a slide mold so that the perforations can all be properly rendered on the sides; there are a couple of small ejector pin marks under there, but they are unseen on the complete model. Etched brass supports are provided for the final detail touch. A pre-shaped etched brass part is provided to replicate the open rear framework; it is attached to a pair of styrene parts that represent the outer rim. The etched part is, not surprisingly, flat, but photos indicate the framework is made up of circular section rod. It is surprising that DML only gives an etched brass part for this area and not a substitute styrene part. Some may consider this a major problem, especially since scratch-building a proper replacement may be above the average modeler’s skill level.


The fenders are separate and feature stamped rib details on the upper and lower faces; there are no ejector pin marks to mar either surface. They should have a very subtle kink about mid-way along their edges. DML gives them as straight parts and provides a jig to bend them. If this is done, the channel on the side of the hull part will not properly align with the fenders. The simple solution is to rest the front end on the channel so it aligns with the final drive housings; then the rear section can be allowed to fall where the kink compels it to. The simplest solution may be to ignore it completely since it is extremely hard to see, according to drawings. All fender brackets are separate and are made up of a combination of styrene and etched brass parts.


The perforated grouser box is provided as a styrene or etched brass assembly. A jack block, a multi-part vehicle jack, fire extinguisher, various tools, gun tube bore swab staffs and spare track stowage completes the OVM. Almost all of these items have separate etched brass clamps or brackets, while the only missing items are the two spare rod antennae.


The armored superstructure for the gun housing is made up of three main parts, which fit into the new forward roof plate as well as the superstructure side plates. The parts are fairly thin at their edges, but the modeler may wish to go a bit further. One side receives a perforated stowage rack made from etched brass parts; a sliding plate for the gun sight is also included, as well as a small armored guard for where the radio antenna is to be mounted. However, no antenna or base for it is provided, which is rather perplexing since nearly any photo in existence shows this item clearly. The remaining separate items for the outer surfaces include supports for a canvas cover and two small separate flaps for the roof-mounted periscope heads.


Armament.

The PaK40 is essentially one large sprue from DML’s towed gun kit, along with a sprue that contains ammunition rounds, storage tubes and two steel boxes. The gun sprue includes the long-ago corrected slide section, which is now of the proper length. There are several display options including: two styles of end caps for the recuperater housing and an internal part for use if the caps are shown in the removed or opened position; three styles of double-baffle muzzle brake (circular/circular, oval/oval and oval/circular) with styrene internal retaining rings; two gun tubes (styrene or turned aluminum, with the former designed to accept an inserted round at the breech end) and a breech that can be modeled opened or closed. The gun can recoil as well as traverse and elevate.


A new curved inner shield is provided, as is the small metal cover that was seen on the part of the gun cradle that protrudes past the gun shield. In addition, a new recoil guard is provided; these last two items are a nice detail touch. Several items on the PaK40 sprue that were seen on the standard towed gun, attached to the inner gun shield, should also be attached to the inner side of the curved gun shield. However, they are not shown in the instructions and additionally are designated as “not for use”. The modeler is advised to check references and position these items as seen in photos.


Two types of complete rounds for the PaK40 are provided (four each for a total of eight), as well as three spent cartridge cases. Ten metal single-round packing tubes are provided, six of which have separate end caps and slide-molded openings; these can be shown to be “discarded”. Two steel multi-round boxes are also given; these have separate lids. The finishing touch is a water-slide decal sheet with stencil data for the rounds and their various containers. Note also that the new sprue containing the parts for the superstructure and gun mount also has four PaK40 rounds attached; these are “shortened” and are designed to fit into the provided ammunition racks. Certainly, more rounds will be needed unless the model depicted has been in recent intense combat; I’d have liked to have seen that option included in the box, anyway! Of course, the extra full rounds can be modified accordingly for use in filling the racks.


Interior.

Since this is essentially an open-topped AFV, there is considerable interior detail provided. For the hull, this includes a very nice transmission (including controls, drive shaft and cover), instrument panel, floor panel and bulkhead/engine compartment firewall. The driver’s seat is included (there was no radio operator in the hull of a standard vehicle), as is the racks for ten rounds seen opposite the driver’s station. New internal braces and cruciform mount parts are given for the PaK40.


There are a number of ammunition racks given, with some marked as not for use. However, they should actually be used; according to references, two sets of four racks go on each side of the fighting compartment, on the floor back by the rear bulkhead. These are catered for in the Cyberhobby upgrade set. Also, one set of three racks are seen on the floor either side of the gun’s cruciform mount, about where the breech block is located; these are not provided in the kit at all. If not opting for the Cyberhobby upgrade, some of the racks will need some framing made of flat and “L”-angled styrene strip as seen in photos on page 99 in reference 6.


Other items new for this kit are various panels for the hull interior. There is no ammunition stowage provided for the MG37(t), nor are the crew’s stowed gas masks included. Marked as not for use is what may possibly be a command radio set, which along with the second seat can be used if the modeler wishes to model a command vehicle. A rack will need to be scratch-built for it, the antenna and mount procured from the spares box and the ten-round ammo stowage racks deleted.


The inner sides of the upper superstructure plates are also detailed with styrene and etched brass ammunition racks on each inner side wall, a radio rack with accessories, flare pistol ammunition box and four periscope heads on movable mounts. The ‘scope heads are clear parts for an extra detail touch. Missing is the flare pistol itself as well as the usual crewman’s MP40, its ammunition containers and stowage rack.


Molding, Fit and Engineering.

Overall, I found no problems with the fit of any major components. Since this kit is the basis for several others, there are many more separate parts than might be usual; the modeler is urged to clean them and check the fit as he proceeds. This is especially important when fitting together the superstructure module. No sink marks were found anywhere, but I noted some ejector pin marks on the inner parts of the superstructure parts; some will be hidden after construction while others may be visible. To be on the safe side, I filled and sanded almost all of them. This was easily done without marring adjoining details


Accuracy.

The five-view drawings in the Panzer Tracts book show that the kit is basically quite accurate. I noted that the kit’s muffler was not as long as the drawings indicate it should be, and that the gun compartment roof plate has slightly different contours towards its front.


It is in the area of some of the internal details where I have questions. Most concern ammunition storage and the radio fit. These include:

• The number and location of the ammunition racks for the main gun.
• The type and location of the original Fu.“d” or the later Fu.5 radio and intercom sets.
• The location of the standard antenna for the original Fu.“d” or the later Fu.5 radio set.
• The configuration and location of the additional Fu.8 radio set as fitted to command vehicles.
• The number and location of the ammunition boxes for the MG37(t).
• The location of other internal stowage items such as the flare pistol, MP40 and its ammo, gas mask containers, etc.


It should be noted that photos in the cited references show different configurations on the different vehicles, so I am not surprised that there is some confusion on the part of DMLs consultants and designers.


For instance, reference 2 states that the radio set was located “above drive shaft cover”. If so, how did the operator (who commanded the vehicle and acted as the gunner) access it from his position, especially with the ten rounds of ammunition stowed next to it? In reference 6, page 80 top, shows the mount for an Fu.5 radio as provided in the kit on the right side of the superstructure. This photo also shows an antenna mount on the outer edge of the superstructure on that same side. Reference 2, page 7/148 also shows this antenna mount. But most photos show the mount as partially given in the kit for what I presume is the Fu.”d” radio set. Since as I just mentioned, the commander was also the gunner AND the radio operator, one would presume the radio itself would be on that side. And of course, reference 6 shows mounts for a radio set on that side as well!

Aieee!


Instructions.

These are in the typical, and busy, line drawing style. Many of the main steps feature discreet sub-assembly steps, all enclosed within separate boxes. I noted that in step seven, there is a drive sprocket hub “hanging in the air”; ignore it. And, as I mentioned, there are parts that should actually be used on the model that are not shown in the instructions; some are also designated as “not for use”. The moral of the story? Check those references! And, (pretty please) pay attention to what reviewers say…


Otherwise, the instructions worked fine for me.


Decals and Markings Information.

Italy’s Cartograf has provided water-slide decal markings for four Marder IIIs. The decals are in excellent register, have sharp detail and fine color saturation. Vehicle colors are keyed to Gunze and Testors paints. The vehicles shown are:


• Pz.Jäg.Abt.171, 17.Infanterie-Division, Italy 1943.
• Black 233, 2.Kp./Pz.Jäg.Abt.39, 21.Panzer-Division, Tunisia 1943.
• “Paula”, Pz.Jäg.Abt.128, 23.Panzer-Division, Ostfront 1944.
• White 41, unidentified unit, Italy 1944.


“Paula” checks out against photos. The vehicle from Pz.Jäg.Abt.171 has no markings other than the standard Balkenkreuz national insignia; this is verified by contemporary photos as well. However, photos also indicate that some of the unit’s vehicles carried names of animals (Büffel, Mammut, Adler and Löwe), while some had a unit insignia. One of these options is included in the Cyberhobby upgrade set just released and soon to be reviewed here on ToT. 21.Panzer-Division was indeed issued these vehicles very late during the Tunisian Campaign; coming from vehicles intended for “Tropen” (tropical) service, they should probably be finished in the two-tone scheme in use at the time and not the specified “Panzer Yellow” as given in the instructions.


Conclusion.


I can already hear the howls of protest by purists because this kit will be considered to be sub-par. If that’s what makes them happy, so be it. For my part, with a bit of reference and some basic modeler’s skills, I wouldn’t get to upset; an outstanding replica can indeed be built from what’s provided in the box. So, if you are a fan of this vehicle, get the kit and have fun with it; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.


Highly recommended.


Frank V. “Curley the Stooge” De Sisto


References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to:


1. “Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition”, by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz.
2. “Panzerjäger”, Panzer Tracts No.7-2, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
3. “Czechoslovak Armored Fighting Vehicles 1918-1948”, Schiffer, by C. Kliment & V. Francev.
4. “Praga, LT vz.38 Pz.Kpfw.38(t)”, MBI Publications, by C. Kliment & V. Francev.
5. “Marder III & Grille”, MBI Publications, by C. Kliment & V. Francev.
6. “Marder III Panzerjäger 38(t) für 7.5cm PaK40/3 (Sd.Kfz.138) Part 2: Ausfürung H & 7.5cm PaK40 mot. Zug”, Nuts & Bolts Vol.18, by V. Andorfer, M. Block & J. Nelson.
7. “Pz.Kpfw.38(t)”, Squadron in Action 19, by C. Kliment and H. Doyle.


Reviewer’s note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to DML. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.


DML kits are available from retail and on-line shops; for details visit their web site at: www.dragonmodelsltd.com.


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