index_kurzer

Click on all photos and scans to enlarge...

The Kit:
There are currently no model kits available of this weapon. This model was built using parts from two different Tamiya mortar kits, the M2, 60mm Mortar kit and the GrW 34, 81mm Mortar kit. I also used the bipod (modified) from the Italeri M1, 81mm kit, and there was some Evergreen styrene bits added as well as some "Gizmology" incorporated. I had only one B&W photo to base the construction of this kit from.

The Extras:
The Kar 98 rifle as well as the bomb boxes are from the Tamiya GrW 34 kit. The rifle sling was made from a thin strip of drafting tape and was added to the rifle. I used Aber Photo-Etched Brass for the rifle sling's 'hardware'.

The Markings:
The white aligning stripe on the tube is from a MicroScale model aircraft decal sheet from my spare decal box. This involved one stripe, cut into seven lengths. All other markings were made by using a Berol Prismacolor (white) art pencil.

Painting, Weathering and Finishing:
PollyS/PollyScale and Model Master Acrylic Paints were used throughout. Winsor and Newton Oils thinned with Loew-Cornell Odorless Brush Cleaner and Thinner were utilized for the washes. Dry brushing (to bring up the highlights) was accomplished strictly by using the Acrylic paints, and the 'worn' areas were highlighted with Berol Prismacolor art pencils. PollyScale Acrylic Flat Coat was then applied overall to the finished subject prior to the fixing of the nameplate.

The Base and Groundwork:
The groundwork is Sculptamold and to this Verlinden Static Grass and tall grass was added along with some dried flowers for the bushes. I also used a few tree bits picked up off my driveway after a windy day. These were 'dyed' with a thin brown oil wash. The partial stone foundation was created from small stones found in my yard, white glued in place. Any gaps in the wall were filled with Sculptamold.
To stay consistent with this collection, the base is cut from scrap oak to 3-1/2 inches in diameter, and the edge is routed with a Dremel Tool. The base was then stained with a natural colored stain and then sealed with multiple coats of Polyurethane.
The brass nameplate is 1/2" wide by .015" thick and is from the K&S line of brass products. I used fine steel wool to remove the tarnish and minor scratches. Letraset dry-transfer lettering was used for the description and once the lettering was down, I cut the brass to length by scribing a cut line with a #11 X-Acto blade. Any rough edges were taken out with a fine metal file. I then applied a couple of generous coats of Future Floor Wax to seal the nameplate and lettering. To match the contour of the base, I gently bent the nameplate to match the radius of the wood, being careful not to lift or crack the floor wax coating. Finally, the nameplate is attached to the base with double-sided tape. To 'hide' the thickness of the exposed edges of the tape, I painted those edges with PollyScale Brass paint.

General Info:
Development of the kurzer (short) GrW 42 started in 1940 and was first deployed operationally in 1941. This weapon was originally intended to equip airborne units, but eventually was adopted by Army and Waffen SS units and gradually replaced the 5cm le GrW 36. This weapon could also be fitted with a lanyard operated firing device for remote loading and firing.

Actual Data:
German designation: kz 8cm GrW 42.
Caliber: 81.4mm.
Normal method of operation: Muzzle loaded, percussion fired.
Length of barrel (L/9.2): 747mm.
Length of bore: 630mm.
Weight traveling (3 loads): 30kg (approx).
Weight in action: 26.5kg.
Traverse: 14° to 34 °.
Elevation: +40° to +90°.
Muzzle velocity: Not Known.
Ammunition (Bomb Weight): 3.5kg
Maximum range: 1100m.
Rate of fire: 15-25rpm.
Production: 1,591 units.

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

	German 8cm Mortar, kurzer Granatwerfer 42 Comments, suggestions, additional info?

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Mortars in Miniature, Created and Maintained by Kevin Robert Keefe, Copyright © 2001 - 2008.
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