Thanks to Jim,Darren and the sample supplier Panda i'll have the pleasure of building the new Marder I kit.
If you would like to see an in box review click on this URL of some very clear crisp photos.
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235005057-marder-i-75cm-pak401-auf-gwlrsf-sdkfz135-135/

As soon as the kit arrives i'll get started with the build and see how it compares with the older RPM example.


See Ya Later Folks
Tony lee

After doing some research this looked interesting. It's a Marder I that was captured by the Belgian Resistance Force in Antwerp Sept.1944.



Tony lee

Like that a lot. That would be worth doing.

That huge access panel in front of the drive wheels is just crying out for a big red bullseye.

I think i'll pass on the bull's eye

Tony lee

Tony,
For some reason this vehicle was heavily photographed and there is quite alot on the net.
Dan

Nice camouflage pattern you choosed. Im waiting for build progress.

I know Dan lots of them to look over.

Matt I didn't pick the pattern it came with the capture.
Great News

The kit was just dropped off here a few minutes ago. Had a close look at the sprues and found only some minor flash on a few parts that a sharp knife will make short work of. The mold blocks were aligned perfectly so if there is any seam ridges light sanding will remove those.
As for knockout marks I think most if not all will not be visible but there are some that have that half spur that might interfere with assembly and will need to be snipped off.
The detail is crisp and clean,instructions are clear and easy to follow,i'll point out any mis-numbered parts as I go.

Step #1 Lower hull assembly coming up

Tony lee

Howdy All

I guess you're ready to see some progress on Panda's new offering. So far there's been about fifteen hours spent getting it as far a this:









Don't go flippin out on me because of the gaps it's only a dry fit of components so I can blow it apart for ease of painting.
So far all of the part numbers jive with the instructions and the fit of those parts have been great except for the lower hull side to the floor plate were I had to do a little relief sand.



One other thing I wasn't expecting,the travel lock mounting holes that are spotted on the underside of the upper hull need to be drilled out.

The 7.5mm Pak 40 is not to shabby in my opinion:








The gun pit or fighting compartment is staring to take shape as well.



The dark green shells and shipping containers are from the AFV Club 7.5cm PaK40 accessory set I had in the stash.

There's a few more things to install but nothing major and then disassemble it for painting the base colors.
I don't think the kit is that difficult to build even for the newer builder if they pay attention and dry fit as they progress. Just remember it's not made by Tamiya.

Until next time Keep Your Powder Dry
Tony lee

Tony,

How do you find the build so far, with respect to the RPM offering?

Cheers,

Tat

Tat the Panda kit has better fit and crisper details.
The suspension is better engineered for those that are all thumbs
The PaK40 has better detail and a one piece barrel.
Clean up of parts is not near as bad as the RPM kit.

When construction is complete I can give you a better answer but for now that's about it.

Thanks for asking
Tony lee

Looks like it's coming along nicely. Just placed my order for one of these. Will be following your progress for hints and ideas

Thanks Tony. Keen to follow your build. Cheers, Tat

Day Three

Blew the Marder apart today to installed a few more items and even bent up the PE.
Not only is there a track jig there's also one for forming the PE silencer/muffler cover,good deal Panda.


I recommend that you anneal the cover first so it's easier to form the PE around the former jig.
The piece on the left is the rear ladder frame and on the right is the ready round rack stiffener "T"



The hand grips on the rear of the fighting compartment walls only have tiny surface installation marks so I drilled holes for a stronger glue grip but not all the way through mine you.




Now I won't have to worry about breaking them off while handling.

Finished the travel lock,placed tie down rings and tools.



NOTE: If you want the travel lock workable don't glue that arm that faces to the rear to the saddle cross beam but just glue to the vertical post.

I also started installing the gun armor shield but will save it for another update.

Take Care
Tony Lee

Long time no here Tony,good to see you still churning out nice SPG's.Looks real good too.

Love of my life Mr."T"

Thanks Buddy
Tony lee

Day #4

The gun armor shield worked out nicely. There are two upper shield PE braces you have to place a half twist at the top but these were nothing fancy.









The road wheel assembly was cleaned up and dry fitted together. The units need painting as well as the lower hull before installing.



There you have it for today folks.
Tony lee

Great stuff, Tony. I wonder about the origin of that camo...Doesn't really look like a standard german camo on the ETO in '44, does it?

RR
Most of these went to the eastern front as a stopgap against the T-34 and were dark grey or dark yellow.
I believe most of the camo patterns were added in the field.

This one has the German cross and the red number on top of the green so it must of still been in German hands when painted.

That's my story and i'm sticking to it.
Thanks
Tony lee

Just saw this at the LHS. Tempting....

Unbelievable. Good

I just got this kit delivered the other day Tony. It looks like a good clean build. Solid.

I'm convinced. Just ordered one.

Pretty nice little buggy,the price is reasonable and if you're into conversions it's right down your alley.
I just wish it had the small ammo trailer in tow behind it.

Enjoy
Tony lee