Zvezda 1/72 Soviet 82mm Mortar with Crew

The 82-pm-41(Russian: 82-ПолевойМиномёт-41),M-41 or the 82-mm mortar Model 1941 (Russian: 82-мм миномет обр. 1941 г.) was a Soviet 82 millimeter calibre mortar developed during the Second World War as an infantry battalion mortar, and which begun production in 1941. It was differed from Model 1937 by the presence of a removable wheel base, by the arched construction base plate (as in 107-mm and 120-mm mortars), and also a different two-legged construction. Wheels were slipped over the semi-axis of the bipod feet and removed during firing. Design improvements were subordinated to the technological possibilities of production and directed toward the reduction in the weight of mortar, labour expenses of its production and improvement in the manoeuvrability characteristics. The ballistic data of the mortar Model 1941 were analogous to Model 1937. The 82- mm mortar Model 1941 had some conveniences with the transport in comparison with the Model 1937, but was less steady during firing and had worse centre of gravity in comparison with the Model 1937. For the purpose of the elimination of deficiencies in the 82-mm mortar Model 1941 its modernisation was carried out during initial production. In the course of production the construction of bipod, wheel and fastening of the sight was changed. The modernised mortar was called 82-mm mortar Model 1943. Due to the initial need to rectify design issues the mortars of 1937 Model continued to be used in the course of World War II and produced alongside with the mortars Models 1941 and 1943. Due to large numbers of the Model 1937 Mortars being lost early in the war, it is this mortar that served in the Battle for Moscow, Battle of Stalingrad, and Battle of Kursk along with other campaigns, operations and engagements of the first three years of the war.

This is another of Zvezda's war gaming kits and this time it is in 1/72 scale as befits both artillery pieces and figure sets. This makes these much more useful to non-wargamers who like to model in 1/72 or 1/76 scale. Having a base might make these appeal to diorama fans as the base can be incorporated into the diorama.

Anyway, there is one very glossy sprue of plastic and a movement card included in the square box. Before you think you are paying a lot for two figures, a base and a mortar, I should point out that there are two of these in each kit as well as a pair of movement cards.

Instructions are a very simple exploded 3D drawing. No painting information is supplied and no decals are included.There is, however, a nice set of photos of painted mortar sets on the back of the box that should help.

This kit is part of a number specially done for Zvezda's 'Art of Tactic' game system. It should make into a very nice and quickly built model in its own right and is really perfect for new modelers thanks to its snap construction.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/82-PM-41

September 2011 

Thanks  towww.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours at your local retailer.

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