The kit consisted of a total of five parts: the two figures and the three-part mortar (tube, bipod and baseplate), and as is, this set is perfect for its intended purpose. The only additional work that I wanted to do was the replacement of one of the bipod foot pads that was a little under-cast and this was quickly rectified by filing off the original and replacing it with one made from a small styrene disk. I bored out the mortar tube with a pin vise to a depth of about 3/32in (2.4mm). I also pinned the bipod to the tube with a length of fine wire into corresponding holes drilled into each part to give the join some strength.

...The above photos shown after gray primer coat was applied...

The two figures are in complimenting poses... one, probably yelling some sort of chant and getting ready to drop a round down the tube and the other kneeling with binoculars (perhaps a woman and showing a little cleavage?). I'm not sure if she/he is praying or (as positioned) is making a sighting adjustment.

The base is scrap pine and is cut to 3-1/2in (90mm) in diameter and routered with my Dremel Tool, stained and sealed. Groundwork buildup consists of a Sculptamold, water and white glue mix with a sprinkling of finely sifted dirt (through an old nylon stocking) from my yard to replicate fine desert sand. Some tiny stones also from my yard were pressed in prior to the ground mix setting.

Painting was done entirely in acrylics and the colors are based loosely on from what I recall seeing on TV news coverage of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and some 'artistic license'. I am not a student of Arabic Society. The Aligning Stripe decal on the tube is from my spares box and was applied under a coat of Solvaset Decal Solution.

A thin wash of artist oils with brush cleaner was applied to provide 'depth' to the subjects prior to the drybrushing up of the highlights. An acrylic flat coat was applied overall for the final finish.

It was fun to create this subject despite current world affairs and the serious implications that this subject may depict. Some recently viewed Insurgent mortar shoots found on the internet added to the laughs.

	Insurgent Mortar Team Comments, suggestions?

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