Built and Reviewed by Steve Palffy
Dragon's 1/35
scale Morser Karl may be ordered online from Squadron.com
Steve Palffy has already finished building Dragon's 1/35 scale Morser Karl
60cm self-propelled gun.
The Karl was the biggest self-propelled gun in history, and the new Dragon
model conveys this impression very well indeed. The model is over 14" long, but
even that sterile dimension does not prepare one for the sheer bulk of the
completed kit. It does look very impressive and large. Dragon's Karl looks more
like a factory than a military vehicle.
The 390 parts build up into four basic sub-assemblies - the lower hull
(including running gear and tracks); the upper hull; the big gun cradle and the
600mm mortar itself.
A single steel shell is supplied. The figure in these pictures is shown for
scale only. He is from an ICM 1/35 scale figure set.
Lower Hull and Tracks
Steve reported that the lower hull, wheels and tracks took the longest time
to assemble. The most time consuming task was filling and sanding the two
noticeable ejector pin holes in each track link. These were filled with Tamiya
Putty. Ejector pin holes were also present on the lower hull. These were hidden
with an irregular grungy texture from Tamiya Putty.
Otherwise, the model fitted extremely well. Steve compared the fit favorably
to Tamiya's latest kits.
The track links are supplied in a combination of single links and lengths of
seven joined track links. The instructions do not suggest the appropriate
combination of links and lengths. Steve used the following:
-
Six of the track "lengths" were used for the
lower track run.
-
Two of the "lengths" were used on the top run -
one at the front and one at the back.
-
36 individual links were used around the drive
sprocket and idler wheel, plus to fill in the gap in the top track run.
This combination was used on each side.
It is important to note that the track lengths are quite flexible and may be
bent. This simplifies the task considerably.
General Construction and Observations
Although the model has a relatively small number of parts for the size of the
model, the overall level of detail is good. Individual features such as railings
are very fine.
The inclusion of rifling inside the massive 600mm mortar barrel was
thoughtful, but extreme care must be taken when aligning the barrel halves and
cleaning up the seam on the inside of the barrel, otherwise the rifling will not
line up.
Steve added the radial milling texture to the outside of the barrel himself.
The only other added details were the chains.
Steve pointed out that Part Nos. E6, E7, E8 and E9 are included in the kit
but not mentioned in the instructions. These should be attached to the front and
rear tow shackles on the vehicle.
Steve took around 17 hours to build the model to this stage. He estimates
that it will take about the same time again to paint it.
Steve commented that this kit is well thought out, straightforward for
assembly, fits well and has plenty of nice touches including the rifling.
He mentioned that it would be nice if Dragon also produced a munitions Panzer
and other support vehicles/equipment.
Dragon clearly have the capability to produce very large vehicles now.
Wouldn't it be great to see a Scammel tank transporter or a Diamond-T wrecker
from this manufacturer some time soon!
Highly Recommended.
Click the thumbnails below to view
larger images:
Model by Steven Palffy
Review Text and ImagesCopyright © 2003 by
Brett Green
Page Created 23 February, 2003
Last updated 24 August, 2003
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