What would the be for drivers area and engine compartment for a Marder III Ausf M? Would it be primed first and would that have been red primer?
Thanks in advance.

Mark;

Hi!

My understanding, based on reading many threads talking all around this and other related topics, plus the bits seen in various pubs which touch on 38(t) derivatives, German armour, etc, and the presentations shown in many builds, is as follows:

The 38 M fighting compartment was generally dunkelgelb- the base coat current while it was in production. The inside of the engine compartment appears to have been most likely primer (standard rotoxide would be my guess)- though several builds have used a off-white type- probably inaccurate but shows the engine off a bit better... The inside of the driver's compartment would most likely have been "elfenbein" or a light ivory- except for the inside surface of the top-hatch, which probably was painted in dunkelgelb to match the exterior base-coat. Floor boards and surfaces beyond the tranny may well have been in the rotoxide. There's been a bit of discussion about the heavy-metal bits (trans, brakes, drive train) and their colours within this compartment... I think most folks go with a satin black approach- or with a sort of darker green. These were supplier colours for these parts.

The answer to your question concerning "were interiors primed..." is certes "YES".

The interiors of tanks did apparently go thru some period of exposed otoxide in 1944- or so I've read. Crews are alleged to have pushed for sticking with the elfenbein "white". I am not sure that this argument pertains to the Marder III M, which may well have predated any extreme paint-conservation practice such as the rotoxide interior.

Hope this helps!

Cheers!

Bob

Hi Bob

Almost forgot I posted this question. Thanks for the response.