Kit: 6331
Scale: 1/35
Manufacturer: Dragon, from Dragon Models USA, 626-968-0322, Dragon Models USA
Price: $37.99
Comments: Injection molded, 535 parts (84 photoetched-brass, 1 cast-metal), decals
Pros: Turned-metal barrel; photoetched-metal details; predrilled machine-gun barrel; interior; several vehicle options
Cons: Play in the bogies; difficult preformed stowage basket

Based on the tiny German 38(t) reconnaissance tank, the Marder III Ausf H was one of many German conversions of obsolete chassis into self-propelled anti-tank guns.

This kit, Dragon’s second 38(t)-based vehicle, includes clear parts for vision ports, a metal barrel, and photoetched-metal details including a preshaped rear basket. A partial interior is also included, along with a selection of boxed 7.5cm ammo, round canisters, and 7.5cm rounds. Alternative parts are frequently pointed out in the building process, so reference pictures of the vehicle you wish to build are a must.

The fit of the components was so good that several parts did not need to be glued. The only blemishes in the molding are ejector-pin marks that need to be filled on the inside of the superstructure.

I followed the directions throughout the building process, with only the track left off until painting was complete. Glue the suspension in place to make track assembly easier. There is a little play in the bogie wheels, so take care to make sure the tank sits flat. The hull sides need to be flexed to allow the insertion of the transmission; avoid the temptation to glue the hull together, especially the hull front (part No. B38). When bending the ammo rack (part No. MA25), follow the insert in Step 10; it is shown reversed in the following step. Part No. MA21 in Step 12 should be labeled MA27.

The hull basket is a preformed, photoetched- metal piece with a plastic edge glued to the outside to create the illusion that it is round like the real thing. There is not a lot of contact area for super glue; mine broke numerous times.

The assembly of the gun is straightforward. Parts B38 broke when I removed them from the sprue, so I replaced them with brass rod of similar diameter. The gun-shield support was a little short; I’d recommend replacing it with brass rod. Breaking the kit into subassemblies of the lower hull, gun, superstructure, and suspension will make painting easier. I painted the interior Testors interior German tan. The exterior is a 50/50 mix of Tamiya desert yellow and Tamiya dark yellow. The tracks were painted Tamiya red brown, then dry-brushed with rust.

There are four decal choices. Mine went down without setting solution. Washes and dry-brushing weathered the kit, topped off with MMP desert sand powders.

I took 26 hours to complete this kit, with much of the time spent on the numerous track links. As reported on several Internet sites, there were some small accuracy issues with the fenders, tow hooks, driver’s plate, and rear hull, due to Dragon using the same hull for all its 38(t) kits. However, the kit measures close to the plans in the Model Art book Marder III AFV Super Detail Photo Book Vol. 4.

– Mike Scharf