Peaks Model offers a 3D-printed kit of the Krupp 21 cm Mörser in 1/35 scale. The first impression is excellent: a large, elegant, glossy black box featuring a photograph of the assembled model. This is actually a sliding cover, and inside is the box itself, which is white and bears the manufacturer’s name.
Opening the top lid reinforces the impression of a high-quality product, as the interior is entirely filled with a block of black foam featuring recesses for the various cages containing the parts – eight in total. There is a booklet with the instructions and a plastic zip bag with several metal rods.
Absolute protection for the parts inside, this is the most safe package I have seen.
The instructions are equally impressive: a 15-page booklet printed in full colour and featuring a carefully crafted design. The painting section offers three schemes, including original photos for reference as well as colour guides for Tamiya, Humbrol, AK3 Gen and Atom Mig.
Note that this is a review strictly from the point of view of a model builder, I am not evaluating accuracy here as I lack knowledge and references. I leave that to others who can do it better than me.
The box offers various assembly options. probably the most important feature is that it can be assembled in firing position (with a choice of elevation) or in transport mode, for which the limber is also included. Apart from that, you can choose between the Mörser 10, with a short barrel, or the 16 with a longer one. It also comes with two options for the wheels: with or without tracks. The shield can be fitted or left off. There are other alternative parts such as the shell cradle in different positions or the gun sight.
The parts come in protective cages, clearly marked with a large letter. The print quality is excellent, with a high level of detail and finesse. There are only slight bands visible on the wheels and a couple other small parts, nothing significant. The cages come with thin supports to allow the sides to be separated easily, and the base is not a solid plate but follows the outline of the parts, making it easy to release them first from the cage and then remove the supports.
These supports are quite thin and come away easily, most often without damaging the part or leaving nibs behind, although it is always advisable to proceed with care.
As is usual with 3D-printed models, the part count is small, though their quality is not compromised. The instructions are very clear, indicating where each part is located in the cage and how to position it.
There is little to comment about the building: once the parts have been released – which is the most time-consuming process– assembly is simple and quick. The fit is excellent, a tight fit leaving no gaps.
Note that there are some very fine and delicate parts, which should be handled with great care for removing from the supports but also once mounted: I broke a tiny lever on the breech block and a part on the bottom carriage, for which I had to make a duplicate.
It is worth to note that the barrel has the rifling modelled in all its length.
One detail not mentioned in the instructions is that even assembling the gun in firing position, it is still possible to build the limber, creating a very original addition for a diorama.
The front axis is a metal rod, an interesting touch that increases resistance considering how thin it is.
The model also includes a complete set of ammunition comprising shells, propellant charges empty and ready-to-fire, boxes and a shell lifting tool. There are also two wheel chocks.
And here is the whole set that can be built with the kit, not counting the optional parts like the wheels with tracks or the shield.
Conclusion
A beautiful kit, printed in high quality and with several options to choose from. The possibility to build the gun in transport mode with the limber is very attractive and original, so it is in firing mode with the limber aside if desired. The large set of ammunition is a nice addition.
Other than the time required for removing the numerous printing supports, building the kit is a simple and quick task. The result, as can be seen, is excellent.