Hi guys, I finished this Marder I just before I got my computer in Jan. and got access to this cool forum. It’s the RPM Marder I, as seen in Normandy in splinter camo, with the 21st Pz Div. I’m asking for opinions on this build, specifically if anyone knows whether I got the interior ammo stowage anywhere near correct?
I couldn’t find any interior shots,but as it had a 15cm gun, I “guestimated” that it might have the same type of racks as the “Bison” w/ the SiG 15cm. I used the DML Bison’s racks as a model, and made them out of platic tube and lead foil straps. Lots of small details-light guard, add’l rivets, details of the spare wheel stowage, the chain on the spade–were added. The bicycle is Tamiya, baskets and tomatoes scratchbuilt (scratchgrown?)Lots of Verlinden stuff on the ground,other DML figures and what-nots.
The paint was done by sketching from photos directly onto the dk yellow base, then masking with drafting tape. Weathering was done with selective washes and pastel powders…
The 21st Pz Div. was authorized to wear a special cuff title “AFRIKA” for veterans of the Tunisia and N. Africa campaigns…
This RPM kit was a challenge–esp. the tiny track pieces, joined to the sprue on 4-5 places each! With a little TLC it can build up to a unique model. Criticisms and critiques are always welcomed, and if anyone knows about the interior? Does it look believable? Thanks for taking the rime to reply!!
Good job on the Marder, and really nice scene, instead of loading shells hes getting a tomato, im sure the guy holding the shell is gonna bit** him out.
I ike the work inside of the marder, nice job on the rust.
Superb job and presentation. As a professional Illustrator, some of the naive composition one sees in many dioramas and vignettes irks me to the core. Yours is concise, interactive in the action, cohesive and very well executed.
Normally the rule is that one should have an odd number of things (groupings of people, animals, objects etc), but your quartet of crew members works beautifully. Proof that “rules” are made to be broken (when done with skill, as your presentation shows)!
Looks good man, the tracks look fine to me, though they are well hidden in the grass! I like the weathering, and the figures are fantastic! Can’t offer you too much advice, I’m an Israeli armour afficianado, not too much on the German stuff! Though I will say I like this, I like it alot!
Great! Simply very well done. An unusual subject with attention to detail and a fantastic job on that interior. A real eye catcher, congratulations on a job well done.
I think this is the 3-4 work of yours I’ve seen and have liked them all very much. Your dio is super. Excellent splinter camo as well. Keep them coming!
I just want to say, I find your placement of the shells on the ground seems a little inaccurate, since I don’t think people do this, and then the close placement of the powder charges to anything seems also a little dangerous. But beyond those, GREAT model, I always love it when people make cool stuff out of eastern kits!
I agree that it’s a beautiful diorama! Very nice composition!!
Something to consider about artillery however:
shells wouldn’t be strewn on the bare ground because of dirt. If they needed to be laid out, a tarp would be used. YOu don’t want to fire shells w/clumps of dirt on them through your shiny, clean cannon!
the FH13/1 shells were extremely heavy. Is there a way you can show the ammo handler struggling with it more?
the name “Marder” wasn’t actually used with this vehicle. The Marder series were SP AT guns. The Marder I was the Pak 40 7.5cm self-propelled AT on the Lorraine chassis. This was the Geschutzwagen 15cm FH13/1 auf Lorraine Schlepper.
fantastic job doog. this dio looks amazing. i like the whole scene, kinda tells a little story on its own. the figures look absolutly beautiful. once again doog, you have made an incredibile kit.
A big “Thanks” to everyone who took the time to reply! I got some nice feedback and some good criticism that I will keep in mind for the next time. Hopefully the show judges aren’t as smart as you guys![(-D]
T26E4–1.great point on the “shells in the dirt” (wht didn’t I think of that?[B)])
2.you’re right; I shoulda had the guy with the shell leaning back more!
3.Thanks for clearing up the name! (Off to the engravers again!)
beav–ya know, I have since seen a post by a guy about proximity and handling of shells; it was a while ago, but I really didn’t think of it at the time. I was thinking of some of Francois Verlinden’s old dio’s where he had shells around everywhere and that’skinda where I got the inspiration; still, it’s great criticism and I’ll certainly keep it in mind for the next similar scene!
schwartzpanter–ya know, come to think of it, yeah…the tracks might be a bit too clean? I think I actually pondered that, but then thought that it was traveling over sand and grass and thought that it would,nt stick that much–but maybe I’ll stick some sand to them? Sharp eyes![8D][wow]
Again, thanks to all for replying! I’ll have another one up in a couple of days…something different again!..[8-] the doog
A little more on the history of the 21st Panzer Division and its Marder I. As T26E4 states you have a piece of mobile artillery and was assigned to Panzerartilleriegiment 155. The Marder I used in the 21 PD was the aprroximatelyb 24 - 7.5cm Pak40 auf GW H39(f) developed by Major Becker and used in his Sturmgeschutzabteilung 200 based upon the Hotchkiss 39 chassis. They also used the same basic chassis and shielding with 10.5cm howiters in the same unit. These 10.5cm howitzer armed were designated 10.5cm leFH18 auf GW H39(f) and used as a SPG and not mobile artillery. There seemed to be 24 vehicles of each caliber produced. (see the two kits produced by Trumpeter) The 21st PD had a factory near Paris where the shield sections sent from Germany were assembled onto the old chassis. In Hans von Luck’s book “Panzer Commander” he talks about Becker and his vehicles. He may as well worked on the 15.5cm Lorraine Schlepper conversions as well.
Major Becker was an engineer and an acclaimed innovator in producing this type of weapon. The first vehicle he modified was the British Vickers Mk VI light tank to carry a 10.5cm howitzer. this work achieved for him an Iron Cross First Class. Most of these vehicles were used during Normandy and especially in defending against the British armor during Operation Goodwood. I am not sure if any of these vehicles survived through the Falaisle Pocket.
The Lorraine Schlepper and the Hotchkiss H39 had similar looking but different road gear. Most of Marder I’s were built off the Lorraine Schlepper as well, but the 21st PD used those build off the Hotchkiss chassis. Alternately the FCM 36 was also used as the chassis.
When I am looking forward to get home tonight and take a look at your diorama, but at work the firewall will not let me see it. The Saumur armor museum has an example of the Marder I (H39) and the 10.5cm leFH18 auf GW H39(f).
Some great info and research there, Mike…thanks for taking the time to write and let me know what ya think! BTW, I’ve got those Trumpeter kits, and I’ll be digging into them soon–I love the “wierd” stuff! I’ve also read Von Luck’s excellent book! [swg][wow]
Doog - Thanks for the compliment, I should add that all the vehicles designated as Marder I’s were armed with the 7.5cm Pak40 ATG. Those chassis armed with the 10.5 and 15.5 cm howitzer armed vehicles were really mobile artilllery. These may have been used in the role of SPG’s but still should not be called Marder I’s.
Check out 21 Panzer Division: Normandy, Tarnopol, Arnhem (Hardcover)
by JeanClaude Perrigault (Author) which has both French (main) and English text. There are some good photo’s in it.
