12cm

- German 12cm Granatwerfer 42 -

World War II

The Kit:

This is the Dragon Models LTD (DML) kit in 1/35th scale, and is molded in styrene plastic. Slightly different from the Italeri/Zvesda kit of the M-1938/43 mainly in the construction of the tube. DML's tube was in 2 halves whereas the Italeri/Zvesda kit was of a one piece casting.

The Details:

The majority of parts added were bolt heads made out of .010 inch thick Evergreen styrene punched out with the Historex punch set. I also added the tension chain/spring combination to the bipod legs. There were a total of twenty-five parts added to the model.

The Baseplate:

Some putty filling was required and the welding was rescribed. The lifting handles were replaced with wire rod.

Base and Groundwork:

The base is oak and is 3-1/2 inches in diameter, stained with a natural stain and sealed with multiple coats of Polyurethane. The groundwork is Sculptamold and to this stones, static grass and some dried flowers for the bushes were added.

Painting, Weathering and Finishing:

PollyS/PollyScale Acrylic Paints and flat coat were used throughout. Winsor and Newton Oils thinned with Loew-Cornell Odorless Brush Cleaner and Thinner were used for the washes.

General Mortar Info:

Initially issued to mortar battalions with infantry units receiving theirs later. A (motorized) heavy mortar battalion was issued thirty-six Granatwerfer 42's, divided between three companies. An almost exact copy of the Soviet regimental mortar, M1938/43. This weapon could use both Soviet and German ammunition. A powerful and a very popular weapon with German front-line units, and in some cases, this weapon replaced standard infantry field guns.



	British Training drawings


Actual Mortar Data:
German designation: 12cm GrW 42 and 378(r).
Caliber: 120mm. (12cm)
Length of barrel (L/15.5): 1865mm.
Length of bore: 1536mm.
Weight traveling: 560kg.
Weight in action: 285kg.
Traverse: 8° to 17°.
Elevation: +45° to +84°.
Muzzle velocity: 283m/sec.
Bomb weight: 15.6kg.
Maximum range: 6050m.
Rate of fire (maximum): 8 to 10rpm; (normal): 6rpm.
Barrel life: 3,000 rounds.
Manufacturer: Erste Brunner Masch.-Fabr., Brunn.

Sources:

"German Trench Mortars and Infantry Mortars, 1914-1945", Wolfgang Fleischer. Schiffer Military/Aviation History.

"Weapons of the Third Reich", Terry Gander and Peter Chamberlain

Mr. Michael H. Pruett - United States

South Africa National Military Museum via Lt. Col. William Marshall

	Mortars in Miniature ...A Scale Model Collection of the "Infantryman's Artillery"...