Tamiya 35083 - 1:35 US M21 81mm Mortar Carrier

Plastic model kit of the American M21 81 mm Mortar Carrier half-track in 1:35 scale

The M21 Mortar Carrier Carriage was created to give US armoured battalions fire support that could keep pace with an advance. Tamiya 35083 reproduces the vehicle in 1:35 scale from tooling dating to 1976, developed from the M3 half-track.

The kit captures the characteristic interior layout: the 81 mm mortar fixed in the fighting compartment and pointing rearwards, with its base plate and ammunition boxes around it. Externally the vehicle keeps the classic American half-track silhouette — angular hull, front axle with road wheels and a short track run. The crew figures allow the mortar to be shown in action.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull and fighting compartment parts
• 81 mm mortar with base plate and compartment fittings
• Vinyl band tracks
• Crew figures
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35083
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 176 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This is a kit for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The build goes smoothly and calls for no previous experience — the parts count is low and the fit is typical Tamiya. The vinyl band tracks make quick work of the running gear. It is worth painting the fighting compartment and the mortar before closing up the hull, as access becomes limited afterwards.

For painting we suggest the standard US Army Olive Drab (e.g. Tamiya XF-62). A wash brings out the interior detail and ammunition boxes nicely, and a matt varnish evens out the finish at the end. Dust and mud on the lower hull can be recreated with weathering pigments.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out detail
• Optional: weathering pigments for dust and mud

About the vehicle – M21 Mortar Carrier Carriage:

The M21 developed the idea of a mobile mortar on a half-track chassis. Unlike the earlier M4, in which the mortar fired forwards, the M21 had its weapon fixed to fire over the rear of the vehicle — which made the crew's work considerably easier and shortened the time needed to bring the mortar into action.

The 81 mm M1 mortar gave armoured battalions immediate fire support: barrage fire, smoke screens and the suppression of enemy infantry positions. The vehicle could fire from the halt and, if required, the mortar could be dismounted and set up on the ground. The M21 saw service in Western Europe in the closing stages of the war.

Original vehicle specifications (M21 MCC):

• Type: half-track mortar carrier on the M3 carrier chassis
• Main armament: fixed 81 mm M1 mortar firing over the rear of the vehicle
• Secondary armament: .50 cal heavy machine gun
• Role: fire support for armoured battalions
• Crew: 6
• Weight: approx. 9 t
• Top speed: approx. 70 km/h (road)
• Service: Second World War, Western Front

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company started out in the timber trade and made wooden models, releasing its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the world standard scale for military modelling. The brand is known for precise tooling and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases covering vehicles, artillery and figures. Tamiya instructions are clear and well illustrated, with painting guides referenced to the company's own paint range. Besides kits, Tamiya offers a full range of accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.