Little weasel with a big punch

[losboz]

Tamiya Marder Sd.Kfz 135 Marder I


Build Info:
Tamiya kit #35370
Aftermarket parts used: Brass ammo by RB Models
Tracks: Kit tracks
Decals: Kit decals

Paint & finishing info:

Primer: Halfords primer grey rattle can
Camo: Tamiya XF88, XF60, XF2, XF57, XF89, XF64 mixed with Mr Color levelling thinner
Tracks: Vallejo VAL70304
Varnish Tamiya X22

Weathering:

Mig Enamel dark wash, Abteilung Oils, Mig Pigments

Interior parts made from Green stuff (Tarpaulins) and accessories by Panzerart (Fuel can), Bronco (Jerry cans), AFV Club (Ammo cannisters) and crew gear by Dragon. 

Brass shells are yet to be installed as it will be displayed with other abandoned equipment backed into a ditch it could not get out of!

* It is worth noting that it appears the kit was referenced using the Marder I on display at the Musée des Blindés at Saumur, France.  The tracks are on back to front and should be turned around. I was not aware of this issue at the time of my build so they have remained the 'wrong way round'. It is not a mammoth task to turn the link and length tracks around but care will be required to bend a few of the upper individual links between the sprocket and first return roller.

[tcoat]

[Steve Zuleski]

That's a beauty, love the weather works!

[aaronw]

Nice, I like the earlier kind of adhoc German SP guns like this and the Bison. Sort of crude, but functional. Your weathering is great, looks dirty but not over done or making it look neglected.

[kyledehart5]

Excellent. That is very cool. And I love the weathering and tarp work

[Tobi]

Turned out really nice. I wouldn't let me bother the tracks too much for two reasons.
i) this mistake could even happen to real crews. I bet with enough research one could find an photo example on the net, perhaps most likely something with Pz III/IV tracks.
ii) I know of at least one tank, the Porsche Tiger I believe, where the track was deliberately reversed because it accumulated less mud that way.

[406 Silverado]

I don't think I've seen a gun that size mounted on one of those chassis until now Los (losboz). That indeed had to pack one heckuva wallop in terms of hitting power from such a small platform. Beautiful paint and weathering along with all the details. 

 Can you explain the tarpaulin replication process? I'm working on something similar but want to do a red shop rag in 1/25 scale. 

[deafpanzer]

Stunning build! I am always a big fan of weathered armors and you nailed it.

[jeaton01]

The tarps caught my eye as well, a highlight of an outstanding model.

[keavdog]

Very nice work. The finish is fantastic. Impressive how much bigger the fighting compartment is on the I vs the III.
Well done.

[brandonk]

Agreed. That is one really well executed build. Awesome!!

[stikpusher]

That is one outstanifg looking build! Bravo!

[41chevy]

Very realistic! The tarp looks so real. Don't sweat the tracks, in 1971 we had an M60 in our unit with a side installed reversed, nobody noticed.

[losboz]

Thanks for all the kind words folks. Much appreciated

[losboz]

Jan 8, 2024 12:58:18 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

I don't think I've seen a gun that size mounted on one of those chassis until now Los (losboz ). That indeed had to pack one heckuva wallop in terms of hitting power from such a small platform. Beautiful paint and weathering along with all the details. 

 Can you explain the tarpaulin replication process? I'm working on something similar but want to do a red shop rag in 1/25 scale. 

Hi buddy.

I used 'Green Stuff’. Thinned as thin as I dare go with a small glass modelling rolling pin with a little talc to prevent sticking. Once happy with the thickness I cut out the rectangular shape, placed it over the model, and folded it as realistically as I could. The tear on the large tarp over the breach was one of those happy little accidents    I managed to roll the one over the rear plate a lot thinner, so it almost mimics a piece of clothing.

ATB

Los

[406 Silverado]

Jan 9, 2024 7:42:26 GMT -5 losboz said:

Jan 8, 2024 12:58:18 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

I don't think I've seen a gun that size mounted on one of those chassis until now Los (losboz ). That indeed had to pack one heckuva wallop in terms of hitting power from such a small platform. Beautiful paint and weathering along with all the details. 

 Can you explain the tarpaulin replication process? I'm working on something similar but want to do a red shop rag in 1/25 scale. 

Hi buddy.

I used 'Green Stuff’. Thinned as thin as I dare go with a small glass modelling rolling pin with a little talc to prevent sticking. Once happy with the thickness I cut out the rectangular shape, placed it over the model, and folded it as realistically as I could. The tear on the large tarp over the breach was one of those happy little accidents    I managed to roll the one over the rear plate a lot thinner, so it almost mimics a piece of clothing.

ATB

Los

  Thank you for the tip Los. I'll be looking into that Green Stuff brother. +1 Karma to you.

[handiabled]

Everything with this build is so very well balanced. The camo paintwork, weathering and added detail are just outstanding

[deafpanzer]

COOL! Really appreciate you taking your time to tell us how to create very realistic tarp. Maybe you should start a tarp bakery business and create those for modelers out there and you will be a millionaire in a heartbeat. Just a thought... +1 karma for you yoo.

[jmarc]

LLLLLLLLLLLLooking great !

[moparmadness]

Awesome man!

[Green KreationZ]

That’s one sharp build! I love these types of German artillery tanks. If that’s what they’re called lol. I would like to build some type of artillery vehicle sometime in the future.