We have already seen Panda Hobbies box-art & CAD’s of the Sdkfz 135-1 7.5 Marder 1 Lorraine German Tank Destroyer in 35th scale - Now we can add pictures of the built up prototype that is set come out in May in our preview...
Sdkfz 135-1 7.5 Marder 1 Lorraine
From: Panda Hobby
1/35th scale
PH35006
Expected release in May
Panda Hobby has made a new version of the German Tank Destroyer the Sdkfz 135-1 7.5 Marder 1 Lorraine of WWII vintage – a system that was based on the Lorraine 37L.
By the time the Western Campaign began in May 1940, there were already eighteen tank-hunters available, all Panzerjäger Is. They were based on the obsolete Panzer I Ausf.B chassis. This vehicle was found quite unsatisfactory regarding crew protection. But its Czech-origin 47 mm (1.85 in) gun performed well against most French light tanks of the day, and even the better-protected B1 bis and SOMUA S35. On the other hand, the Panzer III‘s puny 37 mm (1.46 in) often failed in this respect. But there was still room for improvement. After the fall of France, more than three hundred French Lorraine 37L supply tanks (of an estimated 600) fell into German hands. Some officers did not take long to see the potential of these chassis, which were tested and found particularly reliable and sturdy. Although many Lorraine's retained their original supply rôle in German service, others were converted for various other tasks and the most famous and prolific of them all was the Marder I (for “Marten” or Weasel). Ordnance name was 7.5 cm Pak 40/1 Auf Geschützwagen Lorraine Schlepper (f)/Sd.Kfz.135, Marder I.
The Marder I was given to tank-hunter units attached to each division on the Eastern Front. These units were the Pz.Jg.Abt.31, Jg.Abt.35, Jg.Abt.38, Pz.Jg.Abt.72, Jg.Schn. Abt.206 and Schnelle-Abt.256. The later was the last to operate, until total destruction in April 1944. By December 1943 or early 1944, most Marder Is had been either destroyed, and those surviving were gradually replaced by the Marder II, III and StuG III late versions. The Marder I was judged satisfactory in 1942, but since it was more of an SPG rather than a pure fighting tank hunter, losses were high until better tactics were used. The remainder were shipped back to France and then operated with Rommel’s 21st Panzer Division operating in Normandy during the crucial summer of 1944.
S.Hart mentions that 131 Marder Is (including those built on the H39 and FCM 36 chassis) were still being used in France on January 1, 1944. These were generally operated by five tank-hunter batteries.
Marder I specifications
Dimensions 5.38 x 1.88 x 2 m (17.8 x 6.2 x 6.7 ft)
Total weight, battle ready 8.3 tons (18,078 lbs)
Crew 4 (driver, commander, gunner, loader)
Propulsion DelaHaye 6-cyl gas. 103 TT, 70 hp @2,800 rpm
Top speed 34/38 km/h (21 mph)
Maximum operational range 135-150 km (83-93 mi)
Armament 76 mm Pak 40 L/46 (3 in) – 38 rounds
7.92 mm (0.31 in) MG 34 – 900 rounds
Armor Front – 12 mm (0.47 in)
Side – rear 9 mm (0.35 in)
Casemate – 5-9 mm (0.2-0.35 in)
Production Total of 170
The CAD pictures showing full interior with some photo etched parts.
Now we have some great pictures of the last test shot in plastic and all together - what do you think?
And from above shoing the fighting compartment...
...That is all we have right now until this kit’s release in May - We will keep you abreast of news this kit from Panda-Hobby in the future.
And from above shoing the fighting compartment...
We are liking it so far...
...That is all we have right now until this kit’s release in May - We will keep you abreast of news this kit from Panda-Hobby in the future.
Credit for the info on this page about the Marder must also go to Tanks Encyclopedia which is a great site to learn about tanks and AFV's