1:72 Soviet 82mm mortar with crew

Soviet 82 mm mortar with crew 1:72 — Zvezda

A set of plastic figures of the crew of a Soviet mortar of 82 mm caliber together with the mortar itself in 1:72 scale from the Russian company Zvezda. The manufacturer ties the set to the years 1941 to 1943. It is not a vehicle model but a set of a weapon and figures for a diorama or a gaming board.

The real subject

The mortar of 82 mm caliber was the basic infantry support weapon of the Red Army. It was light, could be broken down into three parts and the crew could carry it on the march, and even so it had a range of over three kilometers. It was mortars that formed the main artillery support of infantry companies and battalions, because they needed neither a tow nor a made-up road. Most often the crew consisted of several men: one aimed, a second dropped the bomb into the barrel and the others carried ammunition.

Building and painting tips

In 1:72 scale the figures are small and their seam lines are smoothed only very carefully with a sharp knife. Base the painting on the main shade of the uniform, put a darker tone into the folds and lighten the edges slightly; for details such as the belt and the helmet a fine brush and a steady hand are enough. Paint the mortar separately from the figures and bring out the barrel in a darker metallic shade. Seat the figures into the scene only after painting and take care that they sit down on the whole area of the soles.

Who the set is for

• Modelers of the Eastern Front in 1:72 scale
• Builders of dioramas and military scenes
• Players of tabletop war games
• Modelers who want to add infantry support

The figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.