Introduction:

This update set from Voyager Models is designed for the Tamiya Marder III Ausf.M (kit #35255) and provides a set of replacement fenders and fender supports.

The set has a single etched fret with 23 parts and a foldout instruction sheet for a fairly simple update set.

Quality is excellent with cleanly etched parts that includes relief to highlight the detail in places and the usual engraved bending lines to ensure the correct bend location but using one of the available etched bending tools would be advisable for easier assembly.

As with most fender sets these days the reinforcing ridges on the fenders have to be embossed out using a suitable tool or the point of a ball point pen, preferable an old pen without any ink so you don't mark the parts and it doesn't matter if you damage the pen ball in the process.

It is also helpful is you anneal the fenders by running through a candle flame until red hot and then let cool as this will help reduce the warping which occurs when parts are embossed in this manner. You should also emboss the ridges before bending any of the angles to avoid any damage during the process.

Etched parts

Set Details:

The two fenders have the side lips bent to shape with the three mounting brackets each side provided which also need to be bent to shape which is quite easy following the engraved bend lines but watch the larger front bracket as there are multiple bends at different angles so take care with this part.

To fit the fenders to the Tamiya kit you have to fill the locating holes for the kit fenders before adding the etched supports but that is all the modifications required on the kit to take the new fenders.

The fenders don't include the small fender kink as the kit doesn't either but being metal it would be easier to add this if you wish bearing in mind the front location of the fenders may be altered a little with the kink added.

Instructions:

These are fairly simple in keeping with the set but are easy to follow as they clearly show what parts go and where to make the appropriate bends but as usual you should study these before diving in to make sure everything is clear.

Conclusion:

This is a fairly simply update for the older Tamiya Marder III M kit to add considerable detail finesse over the kit fenders that doesn't require much assembly and only minor alterations to the kit.

We will most likely see similar sets for the Dragon and Tristar Marder III M kits as they appear with minor alterations for the individual kit.

Highly recommended 7.5/10

See the 38(t)/Marder Page for additional reviews on the subject.

References:

Nuts & Bolts Vol.18 Marder III H & Pak40	Marder III Kagero Photosniper 13 George Parada, Wojciech Styrna, Stanislaw Jablonski. ISBN 83-89088-03-7
Marder III Schiffer Military History Hosrt Scheibert ISBN 0-7643-0394-5	PzKpfw 38(t) in action Squadron/Signal books #2019 Charles K. Kliment and Hilary L. Doyle. ISBN 0-89747-089-3
Panzerjager in Action Squadron/Signal books #2007	Ground Power Magazine #100 - 9/2002 Published by Delta Publishing Co.Ltd. Japan Panzerjager Marder

Thanks to Voyager Models for the review set.