[The M model moved the engine forward allowing the gun to be moved to the rear.]



History:  In July 1942, Hitler ordered that the entire production capacity of the 38(t) be used or converted for self-propelled gun chassis.   It was realized that the existing make-shift self-propelled gun systems were inefficient, so a new design was proposed where the motor would be moved to the middle of the chassis enabling the gun to be mounted more suitably at the rear of the vehicle.   This also allowed the frontal armor and therefore the weight to be reduced.





[975 units were produced from May of 43 till May of 44]



In February of 1943, Hitler was informed that, following final testing, the new vehicle would be ready for mass production very soon, and that production capabilities would number 150 per month instead of the current 60 a month.   Overjoyed, production did begin soon however these numbers were not reached until October of that year.   Production continued until May of 1944 with 975 units produced, when it was stopped in favor of the Jagdpanzer Hetzer.




[The simple welded driver's compartment cover identifies a later model.]



Vehicles built during 1943 can be identified by the rounded, cast cover for the driver's compartment at the front right-hand side of the vehicle.   At the end of 1943, a simpler welded cover was introduced, and the front towing lugs were now formed from extensions of the side armor plate.   Therefore, the Tamiya kit obviously portrays a later model vehicle.   These guns were issued to both Panzer and Infantry divisions starting in May of 1943, and served on all fronts with 350 vehicles still listed as available for action as late as February of 1945.





[Note the scratch camouflage rings.] [Rear View]
[The kit features the typical Tamiya quality, and would build into a nice kit right out of the box.] [Jack Detail]




The Kit:  It is more than likely that most have read, heard, or seen something about this recent Tamiya offering.   The kit features the typical Tamiya quality, and would build into a nice kit right out of the box.   All facets of the kit rate extremely high, with the possible exception of the provided rubber band track, which although nice, don't quite measure up to the rest of the kit.





[The gun barrel and breach came from Blast.] [The interior travel lock controller was also replaced.]




Complimenting the kit is the very nice Blast Models detail set and a set of Model Kasten workable tracks.   The Blast set provides replacement parts for basically the entire fighting compartment, and most of this was used.   This included an enhanced radio and intercom system with the associated wiring being added.   Blast provides shell racks that are covered by "canvas" covers.   Although nice, Tamiya produces an accessory set of brass shells and casings that are beautiful, and these were installed in the kit racks and used instead.   The turned aluminum gun barrel and breach came from Blast, however the muzzle brake from the kit was selected over the Blast part.   The interior travel lock controller, and the wooden jack block, along with the camouflage rings on the side and front panels were replaced with scratch made items.





[The kit was painted with Model Master paints, and stencils were used instead of decals.]




Finishing:  The kit was painted with Model Master paints, and stencils were used instead of decals.   A layered weathering system was then applied with an oil/enamel base, and coats of acrylic clear.   The idea here was a thinned oil wash, followed by acrylic clear, then dry-brushing with oils followed with more acrylic clear, and then repeated.





[An overhead view.]



References:
Marder III & Grille, Francev & Kliment, MBI Publishing, 1999
Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WWII, Chamberlain & Doyle, Arms & Armor, 1999





[Index]