Tamiya 1/35 Sd.Kfz 131 Marder II German Tank Destroyer - Kit Review

A review of Tamiya's, 1/35 scale, Sd.Kfz. 131, Marder II, Kit No. 35060, re-released in 2023. Originally issued in 1971 (?) according to "Scalemates" (Sprues are actually dated 1975), under Kit No. MM 160, and re-released in 2001 and 2013, both Kit No. 35060.
This nicely detailed kit includes, parts and accessories for 2 crew figures, vinyl tracks, a detailed fighting compartment, classic style Tamiya assembly instructions, specific decals for the cover art Marder II, "Kohlenklau" (Coal Thief), and unit decals for 4 other Marders.

[@Baronzemo44]

This was my 1st Tamiya kit. I was 8 or 9 then (1978 or 1979). Found memories. Sat on my shelves for many years. Lost most of my models when a tree fell on my old house in a storm (no one was hurt). Great video.

[@PetesKits]

Yeah, sucks when you lose these "memories". Had a similar experience back in the 90's. Lost everything in a major bushfire (place I was living in too). No one was hurt, but took years to get over losing it all. But, with a stash of over 200 kits now, I think I've recovered pretty well! Glad you liked the video! Cheers mate!

[@StevenPotts-ij9ue]

Thanks for the review Pete, I wasn't aware of this model , or it's re-release so thanks very much, I do appreciate these reviews.

[@PetesKits]

Thanks mate. Appreciate that. I hadn't seen this one since, eh hmm, last century, but have noticed their back in. So another one for your stash! Cheers!

[@clouddog2393]

Love Tamiya kits and this classic oldie is one of my favourites . Have built it several times and l am almost tempted to buy it again now it's been reissued .

[@PetesKits]

Same here. Love my Tamiya oldies. Never had this one before, so really looking forward to putting her together! Cheers!

[@eclipsehorse8693]

Thx for the awesome review Pete! I have this kit coming to me today via Amazon! Can't wait to crack into it!

[@PetesKits]

Hi mate. Glad you enjoyed this review! This is such a nice little kit, I'm thinking of getting another one myself. Enjoy the build! Cheers!

[@johnwinchester3060]

Hello Pete. Great review as always. Hope all is well with you in Down Under.

[@PetesKits]

Thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed the review. All's good down here. 2024 just keeps rolling away. Cheers!

[@westring8119]

hello Pete,i'm very enjoy to see your vidéo,i built this one in 1990 and it's a very good kit!Kolenklau mean you must make economy of fuel and coal,amity of France;Patrick

[@PetesKits]

Hi Patrick. This is one kit I never had back when it first came out. Not sure why, because having gotten this one, I really like it. It's a really nice looking kit. Glad you liked the video mate! Cheers!

[@Kitsnbits]

Was going to pick that kit up,but went for the Marder 111 instead,I have a few tamiya kits with the switch slots underneath, I normally fill them up with plastic putty,will you be building that one,good review on a old tamiya classic.

[@PetesKits]

Thanks, glad you liked the review. She is an oldie, but still looks like a good build. Currently have my eyes out for a cheap Marder III (the last one I saw was $65 Aust). And yes, this one is on my "to build this year" list. Cheers!

[@Kitsnbits]

@PetesKits I have noticed, that alot of tamiya and other makes seem to be on the pricey side in Australia's, why is that,I got the marder 111 last year,cost about £35 English pounds,I was expecting that being a 2018 release, I'm sure the marder 11 will look good,when built.

[@PetesKits]

@@Kitsnbits Yes. Kits in Australia do seem to be more expensive than in other countries. Especailly the newer issues. The older kits, like Tamiya's, are still cheap to buy, but the later releases always seem to be high. Even the Chinese makers, like Trumpeter, Gecko, etc, are pricey, and they're "just up the road" from us. Think this may come down to volume shipped, for our, comparatively, small market, as against Europe, and North America. That's why I love my bargains. Gotta save money for the paints! Cheers!

[@Kitsnbits]

@PetesKits Ha I see that's why,their more expensive then,thanks happy modelling.

[@martinoconnor4314]

Nice one Pete. I remember building this as a kid in the 70's but I didn't stick the big box on the front because I thought it looked stupid being in the way of the crews vision. I was quite smart for a kid.....what happened?

[@PetesKits]

Thank mate. I don't know. Feel the same way sometimes. Like starting to airbrush some figures, and realising you haven't cleaned up all the mould lines.....and that was just yesterday. 🤔 cheers!

[@martinoconnor4314]

@@PetesKits I do that all the time..... it's not a good model if you don't stuff it up at least once. My biggest problem is thinking that I'm smarter than the instructions, the number of times that I've had to un-stick things because I've used the wrong part..... 😭

[@PetesKits]

@@martinoconnor4314 Yep. Yep. So true!🤣