TMN: Zimi Model combines the SS y45 flatcar & Marder I in 35th scale.

Zimi Model's latest release is the Marder I kit, which we know matched with the T-Model-supplied SSy45 Flatcar. A nice match? We look at the art, features, the machines & their colours, as well as a test build in our preview...

Zimi Model combines the SS y45 flatcar & Marder I in 35th scale.

7.5cm Pak.40/1 auf Gw.Lr.s.(f) Sd.kfz.135 Marder I & German 50-tonne Type SSy45 Flatcar Schwerer Platformwagen

From Zimi Model

1/35th scale

Kit No: ZM35075

Zimi Model Website

The Subject: Marder I on an SS y45 platform truck
German tank destroyer the Sdkfz 135-1 7.5 Marder I Lorraine of WWII vintage - a system that was based on the Lorraine 37L. By the time the Western Campaign began in May 1940, there were already eighteen tank hunters available, all Panzerjäger I's. They were based on the obsolete Panzer I Ausf.B chassis. This vehicle was found quite unsatisfactory regarding crew protection. But its Czech-origin 47 mm (1.85 in) gun performed well against most French light tanks of the day and even the better-protected B1 bis and SOMUA S35.

On the other hand, the Panzer III‘s puny 37 mm (1.46 in) often failed in this respect. But there was still room for improvement. After the fall of France, more than three hundred French Lorraine 37L supply tanks (of an estimated 600) fell into German hands. Some officers did not take long to see the potential of these chassis, which were tested and found particularly reliable and sturdy. Although many Lorraine's retained their original supply role in German service, others were converted for various other tasks, and the most famous and prolific of them all was the Marder I (for “Marten” or Weasel). The ordnance name was 7.5 cm Pak 40/1 Auf Geschützwagen Lorraine Schlepper (f)/Sd.Kfz.135, Marder I.

The Marder I was given to tank-hunter units attached to each division on the Eastern Front. These units were the Pz.Jg.Abt.31, Jg.Abt.35, Jg.Abt.38, Pz.Jg.Abt.72, Jg.Schn.Abt.206, and Schnelle-Abt.256. The latter was the last to operate until total destruction in April 1944. By December 1943 or early 1944, most Marder Is had been either destroyed, and those surviving were gradually replaced by the Marder II, III and StuG III late versions. The Marder I was judged satisfactory in 1942, but since it was more of an SPG rather than a pure fighting tank hunter, losses were high until better tactics were used. The remainder were shipped back to France and then operated with Rommel’s 21st Panzer Division operating in Normandy during the crucial summer of 1944.

S. Hart mentions that 131 Marder Is (including those built on the H39 and FCM 36 chassis) were still being used in France on January 1, 1944. These were generally operated by five tank-hunter batteries.

Marder I specifications

Dimensions: 5.38 x 1.88 x 2 m (17.8 x 6.2 x 6.7 ft)

Total weight, battle-ready: 8.3 tons (18,078 lbs)

Crew 4 (driver, commander, gunner, loader)

Propulsion: DelaHaye 6-cyl gas, 103 TT, 70 hp @ 2,800 rpm

Top speed: 34/38 km/h (21 mph)

Maximum operational range: 135-150 km (83-93 mi)

Armament: 76 mm Pak 40 L/46 (3 in)—38 rounds

7.92 mm (0.31 in) MG 34 – 900 rounds

Armour Front - 12mm (0.47 in), Side - rear 9 mm (0.35 in), Casemate – 5-9 mm (0.2-0.35 in)

Production Total: 170

The Kit from Zimi Model:

Combining the 35th scale (previously Panda Hobby kit) Marder I with the (T-Model) SSy 45 German flatcar. This kit's parts may be familiar to some. Zimi Model puts them together with a decal sheet of five options in four different colour combinations. Model features are next.

CADs showing the details of the kit & the platform car

Model Features:

1. The kit features individual link tracks, accompanied by a dedicated assembly jig for accurate alignment and shaping.
2. The Lorraine chassis is replicated with a riveted structure, and all rivets are accurately represented, showcasing rich surface detail.
3. The engine deck grille of the Marder is also finely detailed.
4. The fighting compartment is moulded as a single piece, with very thin side armour walls that closely match the thickness of the real vehicle. The interior is also well-detailed, capturing the complexity of the compartment.

5. The main gun is moulded as a single piece for easier assembly.

6. The flatbed railcar kit accurately reproduces the details of the rails and railway ties and can be built as either curved or straight track sections based on preference. The moulding is relatively straightforward, with few small parts, making the assembly process simple and user-friendly.

7. The deck surface of the flatcar features a finely engraved wood grain texture, adding rich visual detail.

Decals & markings:

The decal sheet provides basic Iron Cross markings and tactical numbers, though historical photos suggest that many units operating the Marder I did not prominently display tactical numbers.

The photo etch that comes with the kit.