Well, I just got Dragon’s Marder III and a crew but I don’t know very much about the thing, so I have decided to seek the opinions, advice and expertise of my fellow forum members.
After looking at the review sites, mainly PMMS, it seems like Dragon’s version has a few flaws, but honestly, I am not too worried about those. The few questions I do have relate mostly to colors and a few small details that can most likely be found in a book (that I can’t afford). There also doesn’t seem to be very much on this website, or the internet in general about the Marder, but I will continue searching.
So a few questions:
Interior color? While this is my first SPG build, I have done a Tiger with an interior. Is the same off white/ beige correct here as well?
I’m probably going with an Italian scheme, most likely one of the box options. Would a Dunkelgelb base with Red brown and Dark green spots/lines/camo be appropriate?
The instructions show the ammo tubes with a shell in them and the tip is pointed up. Is that accurate? I haven’t heard otherwise, so I assume it is.
I am planning on using the crew in a diorama and I would love to add stowage. What would the Germans have put on the Marder? Did they have duffle bags or something?
If anyone knows of some good websites that may lead me to some reference pictures, please let me know. As I said, so far an internet search isn’t leading to very many good pictures.
Interior color? While this is my first SPG build, I have done a Tiger with an interior. Is the same off white/ beige correct here as well?
Being open topped, its fighting compartment interior would be the same as exterior: dark yellow. Inside the driver’s compartment would have the off white color (not the hatch interior though!)
I’m probably going with an Italian scheme, most likely one of the box options. Would a Dunkelgelb base with Red brown and Dark green spots/lines/camo be appropriate?
The yellow/green/dk brown scheme was not theatre specific. ALL German equipment was being painted in this manner after Feb 43: Italy, Norway, Estonia – all the same.
The instructions show the ammo tubes with a shell in them and the tip is pointed up. Is that accurate? I haven’t heard otherwise, so I assume it is.
It’s correct.
I am planning on using the crew in a diorama and I would love to add stowage. What would the Germans have put on the Marder? Did they have duffle bags or something?
Don’t overdo it. The fact is that most actions would have been defensive in nature meaning that the support elements (holding all the crews’ gear) would have been nearby. A few small bags, maybe spare fuel cans. By GOD don’t add panzerfausts and MGs all over the place (ala Verlinden). Remember, a crew would have had to work under high stress in a limited space. Loose gear inside would be foolish. Also whenever you mount gear outside, be aware of its “snagging” potential and if it would limit fields of vision or fields of fire. Also, tie everything down. People don’t douse their off road ATVs with epoxy and stick bed rolls on the side. (careless) modellers do, however.
If anyone knows of some good websites that may lead me to some reference pictures, please let me know. As I said, so far an internet search isn’t leading to very many good pictures.
This have a Grille M, a Marder IIIM and a Marder III Pak 76.2cm (r). Not the Marder IIIH but they may be useful nonetheless
Because production of the Marder III H began in Nov. of 1942, early models would have been finished in overall Panzer Grey. After the switch to overall Dark Yellow as a base coat in Feb., 1943, those vehicles originally painted Panzer Grey would be repainted as they were returned to maintenance facilities for servicing. This repaint would most likely only cover the exterior portions of the vehicle, leaving the upper portion of the fighting compartment in it’s original Panzer Grey color. So it is possible, in fact rather likely, that Marder III H could have a dark yellow/red brown/olive green exterior and still have a Panzer Grey upper fighting compartment interior, if it had been built before Feb. 18th, 1943.