- U.S. 107mm Mortar, M98 -
Dominican Republic Crisis, The Vietnam War

The Extras:

The M14 rifle is from the Dragon Vietnam War Weapons Series. The sling and 'hardware' were constructed out of lead foil and scrap photo-etched brass bits.

The M329 HE rounds are from the Tamiya M30 kit. These were updated to better reflect the actual Cartridge Container Extensions and Propellant Increment Bundles. (For detailed ammo information, refer to the M30 page.)

The resin ammo crates are from Armand Bayardi and are beautifully cast and are as purchased. My only remark about these crates is that it would have been better if the crates were all stacked the same way... i.e.: being 'opened' from the same side.

The sandbags are made from Marblex self-hardening clay and sewing thread.

Painting, Weathering and Finishing:

Paint preparation consisted of soaking all sub-assemblies in a warm water and dish detergent solution for a few minutes and left out to thoroughly dry.  The entire subject was primed with a gray acrylic primer with all subsequent painting being done in acrylics as well. Various washes applied were created from a mix of artist oils and "Terponoid" odorless brush cleaner. Various oil colors being used. Earth tone pastel chalks from Bragdon Enterprises were used for the final weathering effects. The final step to this completing this vignette was to lightly over spray with an acrylic flat coat.

The Figures:

The two Marines are from Hobby Fan. They are superbly cast in resin and require only the removal of the resin pour plugs and some light spot sanding. There were also very few air bubble pockets found and these were filled with a dap of super glue. The only modifications were to replace the arms from my spare arms drawer as the original poses were not applicable to this vignette.

They wear the jungle uniform of the mid to later 1960's Southeast Asia issue with M1955 body armor, M1956 web gear including metal canteens and M1 Helmets. My only complaint is that the helmets have the camouflage cover bands molded on and the Marines were generally not issued this item.

The "US" decals on the canteen covers etc are wet-transfers from Hudson and Allen.

Base and Groundwork:

The base is scrap pine wood, 3/4 inch thick and is cut to 5 inches in diameter. It is stained with an oil based stain and then sealed with multiple coats of polyurethane, lightly sanding in between coats.

The groundwork is a mix of Sculptamold and wood glue spread evenly and prior to this setting up, the footprints, tire and trail ruts and the locations of the ammo crates were pressed in. Once the groundwork was dry, very fine sand/dirt was sprinkled about and in places. This being secured in place with a water diluted white glue mix.

General Mortar Info:

With the Marines still having the very popular 75mm Pack Howitzer of WWII fame as well as the fairly new M30 4.2 Inch (107 mm) mortar in their inventory, it was decided to see if the concept of mating the 4.2 Inch tube to the Howitzer's carriage would actually fit into this new requirement.

With various modifications to the howitzer's M33 carriage, and the installation of the M99, 107 mm Cannon in place of the 75mm howitzer to this carriage, this combination became known as the Model 98 HOWTAR. Trials of the HOWTAR proved out to be successful and it was officially accepted into USMC inventory in May of 1962. A battery of six guns would be assigned to each direct support artillery battalion in exchange for the 'traditional' and labor intensive M30 mortar.

The towed 107mm mortar, M98 is a mobile artillery piece. It is manually operated and drop fired. The recoil mechanism is hydropneumatic type, having a floating piston and an adjustable pneumatic respirator. The mortar is used for indirect fire and can be elevated to high angles to deliver plunging fire on target.

Transporting the HOWTAR was accomplished by sling load from helicopters (H-34, CH-46, CH-53), pulled by 1/4 or 3/4 ton vehicles or could be disassembled to be carried by individual Marines. The ease of transporting the HOWTAR would prove to be invaluable during the 1960's.

Rivaling the 105mm M101 Howitzer in destructive power, and approximately one-half of the weight, the HOWTAR fired the slightly larger 107mm (4.2") standard range of munitions. Range capabilities were greater for the 105mm but, for the CSA work as originally intended for the Model 98, long range was not a necessity. The HOWTAR was intended to fire its rounds at a much higher angle.

Initially deployed with the Marines during the Dominican Republic Crisis of 1965 and would also go on to serve with distinction during the Vietnam War, often operating in conjunction with the M30 4.2 Inch mortar. However, the HOWTAR's service life would be relatively short and by the end of the 1960's, it would be phased out of front-line service, only to be replaced by the M30 mortar that the HOWTAR was originally destined to replace. The HOWTAR would finish out it's final days in Marine Corps inventory as a ceremonial gun firing blank rounds and at least one is known to have been restored. This restoration now resides at the Marine Corps Museum, Quantico, Virginia.

Alistair J. Crerar (r) Feb 1966 - Okinawa - See The Honor Roll
Additional "walkaround" photos of the HOWTAR...

A. Data pertaining to 107mm Mortar Cannon M99:

1) General:
        Caliber: 107mm (4.2-Inch)
        Length (tube and base cap): 70-15/16 in.
        Weight (tube and base cap): 245lb.
        Rifling: 24 Lands and Grooves, graduated right-hand twist.
        Range (Maximum): 5,500m (6,015yd.)
2) Performance (average for new mortar):
        Type of ammunition: Fused and semi-fixed, complete round.
        Weight of projectile (approximate): 25lb.
        Method of loading: Hand.
3) Sight Unit: M-34A2
        M-79 Sight Mount XM-7
        M-9A1 Adapter.
        M-62A/C Elbow Telescope.
        M-45 Boresight.

C. Data pertaining to 107mm Mortar Recoil Mechanism M38:

Mr. Jerrill F. Janik - United States