Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz. 138-Early, 1/35 - Hobby Boss 80169

The Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz. 138 - Early from Hobby Boss, reference 80169, is a plastic model kit to be assembled at 1/35. It depicts an early production version of the Marder III Ausf.M, the German WWII tank destroyer.

The vehicle reproduced

The Marder III belongs to a family of tank destroyers developed on the Panzer 38(t) chassis. The Ausf.M version, identified as Sd.Kfz. 138, can be recognized in particular by its open fighting compartment installed at the rear of the vehicle. This configuration highlights the characteristic trade-offs of German anti-tank vehicles used during WWII: a compact silhouette, powerful anti-tank armament, and limited protection for the crew.

The Hobby Boss 80169 model kit

This 1/35 military armored kit includes more than 500 plastic parts spread across 10 sprues, with a lower hull. It also includes a metal gun barrel, a photo-etched detail sheet, and a decal sheet. The tracks are provided as individual elements, to carefully replicate the running gear and the distinctive look of a tracked vehicle.

Once assembled, the model measures approximately 148.2 mm in length and 61 mm in width. At 1/35 scale, each dimension of the real vehicle is reduced by a factor of 35: this size is particularly suited to military armored vehicles, figures, and creating a diorama.

Assembly and finishing

Careful preparation of the parts, removing flash (deburring), and dry-fitting help achieve a clean build. The presence of small parts, photo-etch, and individual tracks means you should work methodically. A glue suitable for plastic models, precision tools, and fine abrasives are helpful for assembly.

Painting can be preceded by a primer to unify the surfaces. Decals are best applied to well-dried paint and a smooth surface. Weathering work—such as dust, grime, and staining—then helps bring out the details of the hull, the fighting compartment, and the tracks.

Technical features

• Brand : Hobby Boss
• Reference : 80169
• Type : plastic model kit of an assembleable military vehicle
• Subject : Marder III Ausf.M Tank Destroyer Sd.Kfz. 138 - Early
• Scale : 1/35
• Number of parts : more than 500
• Sprues : 10 sprues with lower hull
• Assembled length : 148.2 mm
• Assembled width : 61 mm
• Included elements : metal gun barrel, photo-etch, decals, and individual tracks