Bolt Action German Marder III Ausf M

Pack contains 1 resin and metal vehicle and 2 crew.

This vehicle can also be used in games of Achtung Panzer!, the game of close-quarters tank-on-tank combat, its rules can be found in the Achtung Panzer! rulebook.

The Marder III Ausf M was a German tank destroyer used during World War II. Based on the chassis of the Czech-built Panzer 38(t), the Marder III Ausf M was designed to provide mobile anti-tank support. Here are some key details about the vehicle:

1. Design and Development: The Marder III Ausf M was the last variant of the Marder series. It was developed to address the need for a more effective anti-tank platform as the war progressed. The vehicle featured a rear-mounted fighting compartment, providing better protection for the crew and a lower silhouette.

2. Armament: The primary weapon was the 7.5 cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun, which had excellent penetration capabilities. This gun could effectively engage and destroy most Allied armored vehicles encountered on the battlefield.

3. Armor: The armor protection on the Marder III Ausf M was relatively light, with the front armor being the thickest at around 50 mm. This made the vehicle vulnerable to enemy fire, but its role was to engage from a distance rather than in direct confrontations.

4. Mobility: The vehicle was powered by a Praga EPA/2 6-cylinder engine, which provided decent mobility and allowed it to maneuver into advantageous firing positions.

5. Production and Service: The Marder III Ausf M entered production in 1943, and around 975 units were built. It saw extensive service on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, providing valuable anti-tank support to German forces.

6. Legacy: The Marder III Ausf M, like other Marder variants, was a stopgap solution to the need for mobile anti-tank weapons. While it was not a perfect design due to its light armor and open-topped configuration, it served effectively in its intended role and was a significant component of Germany's anti-tank capabilities during the war.