Reference the ICM website,

The SPz Marder 1 is a German infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) developed by Rheinmetall that has served as the main combat vehicle of the armored infantry divisions of the Bundeswehr since the 1970s.

The vehicle underwent several modernizations throughout its service life, with the A3 upgrade program launching in 1988. This modernization included 1600 kilograms of improved armor, reinforced suspension, a new braking system, and a modified turret configuration. The resulting SPz Marder 1A3 has proven to be one of the world’s most battle-tested and reliable IFVs.

Starting in March 2023, Ukraine began receiving SPz Marder 1A3s, with deliveries continuing until late 2024. Open sources indicate Ukraine received approximately 200 of these vehicles, primarily allocated to the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where they have demonstrated their effectiveness as well-protected and reliable infantry fighting vehicles.

This is a former Revell Marder 1A3 kit that was first issued in 1999. The ICM boxing uses new decals and keeps it relevant for modern armor builders. After all, the Germans have successfully used the Marder 1A3 for decades.

Upon opening the cover, there is a reinforced white inner box that does a good job of protecting the kit’s four gray plastic sprues, instructions and decal sheet. The instruction manual is also available on the ICM website. As usual, take care with small pieces as the plastic is fragile and can break when removed from the sprue gates.

There are minor notes that are identified here by their instruction step:

Step 07: The link and length tracks assemble well if you take your time. I had to add two individual links (Part No. 18) to the front drive sprocket, and one individual link to the rear idler, for both sides. Of note, the top run of the track is not visible once the side skirts are installed.

Step 08: Three hull parts (under the troop compartment vision blocks) are all numbered Part No. 21. Two are Part 21 (left and right side), while the rear part should be labelled Part No. 22).

Steps 10-11: You may want to install the fragile hand holds (four x Parts No. 27A) after completion, so they don’t get damaged handling during construction.

Steps 15: The left (Part No. 39) and right (Part No. 40) rear view mirrors are very fragile, and you may wait until final assembly to avoid damage. As an aside, on the real AFV, the mirrors could be folded down onto the hull (easy to do with a precise cut), or removed, as many photos of Ukrainian Marder 1A3s don’t show the mirrors present.

Steps 16: Take care handling the headlight guards (Parts No. 42) as they are very fragile.

Step 21: The radio antennae bases (2 x Parts No. 52) are very fragile, take care even during final installation.

There are four marking options for this kit, the first three in overall green (called out as German Field Grey (ICM No. 1070) or 4BO Green (ICM No. 1073), and the fourth in NATO three-tone camouflage:

• SPz Marder 1A3, Airborne Assault Troops, Donetsk Region, December 2023
• SPz Marder 1A3, 25th Separate Airborne Brigade, Donetsk region, Spring 2024
• SPz Marder 1A3, Airborne Assault Troops, Southeastern Region of Ukraine, Summer-Autumn 2024
• SPz Marder 1A3, unknown unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Kursk region, Autumn 2024

I chose the SPz Marder 1A3, 25th Separate Airborne Brigade, Donetsk region, Spring 2024 as I like the Marder painted in the color of its Cold War adversary, 4BO.

The decals are delicate and conform well to the model, have no silvering and really look the part, care must be taken due to their small size and fragility as a few wanted to curl back on themselves.

If you want even more detail for your Ukrainian Marder, refer to the Hauler (HLH72124) Photoetch Set for SPz Marder 1A3 (Revell Kit).

This is another beautiful braille scale model that has been given a second life, much like their real counterparts fighting for Ukrainian independence.

Slava Ukraini!

Profuse thanks to ICM and IPMS/USA for providing the review sample.