M1

U.S. 81mm Mortar, M1

World War II,
Korean War

A Subject of Mortars in Miniature.com
Click on all photos and scans to enlarge...
	The Kit: Another 1/35th scale offering from Italeri. Nicely molded in styrene, this kit was probably one of the easiest kits in the collection to build. Minor parting line removal was required however, this kit was typical of Italeri's high quality standards.

The Details: There were a few details missing with this kit. As was the case with most of the mortars in this collection, I had to add the tension spring and chain to the bipod legs. I also added the elevation handle and this was made from bent wire. The weapon's sight unit is from the spares box and I believe that it is an Italeri item.

The Base and Groundwork:
This base is of pine wood and cut to 3-1/2 inches in diameter, stained with a natural colored stain and sealed with multiple coats of Polyurethane. Sculptamold was used for the initial ground cover. A couple of stones were pressed in and the bushes are dried-flowers. Verlinden Static Grass was applied, and I used baby powder, white glued in place for the snow effect.

The Extra's: The M1 Carbine and backpack are also from Tamiya. I added the 2-magazine pouch to the stock of the rifle. The rifle sling and mounting 'hardware' were also added.

Painting, Weathering and Finishing:
PollyS/PollyScale Acrylic Paints were used throughout. Winsor and Newton Oils thinned with Loew-Cornell Odorless Brush Cleaner and Thinner were used for the washes. Dry brushed in part with PollyS/PollyScale Metalline series Acrylic Paints. PollyScale Acrylic Flat Coat was then applied overall to the finished subject.

Actual Data:
Weight:
    Tube: 44.5 lbs, Bipod: 46.5lbs, Baseplate: 45lbs (Total weight: 136lbs).
Overall Length: 3ft, 9.5in.
Muzzle Velocity (HE): 700fps.
Rate of Fire: 18 rounds per minute (normal), 30-35rpm maximum.
Maximum Range (HE): 3,290 yards.
Ammunition:
    M43A1 Light HE: Weight: 6.87lbs, Min Range: 200yds, Max Range: 3,290yds.
    Fragmentation Radius: 25yds (comparable to a 75mm howitzer).
    M45, M45B1 Heavy HE: Weight: 10.62lbs, Max Range: 1,300yds.
    Fragmentation Radius: Comparable to a 105mm howitzer.
    M56 Heavy HE: Weight: 15.01lbs, Max Range: 1,300yds.
    M57 WP (White Phosphorus): Weight: 10.74lbs, Max Range: 2,470yds.
    M57 FS (Smoke): Weight: 10.74lbs, Max Range: 2,470yds.
    M301 Illumination Round: Max Range: 2,200yds.
        Illumination: 275,000 candlepower for approx 60 seconds.
        Illumination Area: Approx 150yds (when attached to parachute).



FM 23-90 May 7, 1942	FM 23-90 April 22, 1943	ORD 7 SNL A-33 August, 1951	FM 23-90 April 1951	FM 23-90 1958
	...Courtesy of Mr. David Albert...		Courtesy of Mr. Rob Bloemhard	Courtesy of Mr. David Albert

General Info:
In the self-propelled mode, the M1 81mm Mortar was transported by the M4, M4A1 and M21 Half-Tracked Mortar Carriers. These vehicles enabled the mortar to also be fired from within a semi armored vehicle, offering crew protection from small arms fire and shell fragments as well as mobility.

References:
Weapons of the Korean War

	U.S. 81mm Mortar, M1 Comments, suggestions, additional info?

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