German Bundeswehr SPz Marder 1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
ROC 1:87 Scale Vehicle Review
The Marder 1 shown here has been painted »Yellow Olive RAL 6014«. The vehicle was detailed and drybrushed as usual, then partially covered with a camouflage net made from olive green army gauze bandage soaked in PVA glue and sprinkled with light green model railroad turf. When the net had dried completely, the bright green grass chunks were painted Tamiya XF-65 »Field Grey« and washed with black ink. After the wash had dried, the entire net was drybrushed with various shades of green and a dusty sand colour. The effect is quite convincing, particularly if an old and dusty camouflage net is required. The ROCO Marder 1 is a great wargaming model, ready to play and detailed enough to satisfy the discerning collector.
Contents
- Schützenpanzer Marder 1, Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
Evaluation
The Marder 1 has only 14 parts, and it is sold fully assembled, ready to play. Serious modellers will take the vehicle apart, remove flash and glue the parts together permanently.
The Marder is loaded with cast-on detail: shovels, picks, tow rope, a hammer and other items of stowed equipment are clearly visible and easy to paint. The rearview mirrors are modelled in the folded down position; standard operating procedure during field excercises.
Rear hatches open and close. The hinges are not to scale, but the Marder 1 will great with a couple of Panzergrenadiers firing their G3 assault rifles from the rear of the vehicle.
The turret hatch may be modelled in the open position. Suitable crew figures are available from ROCO and Preiser.
Compatible with HO scale model railroad equipment and miniatures by Märklin, ROCO, Faller, Pola, Preiser, and Noch.
The barrel of the 20 mm cannon is too thick, but it works for wargamers and other collectors who will handle the vehicle occasionally.
The track is not detailed on the inside, and this is particularly obvious between the wheels. Since the entire running gear is a one-piece casting, the most practical way to improve the track in this area is to suggest individual track links with painted or engraved dividing lines.
Carpet rollers under the chassis need to be removed to lower the vehicle onto its tracks correctly.
Decals are not included, they need to be purchased separately.
Possible Conversions
- Marder 1.A1
- Marder 1.A2
The ROCO Marder 1 is a solid wargaming model with nice detail. Camouflage netting, personal stowage and other detail may be added to add visual appeal.