Reviews : Tamiya US 81mm Mortar Carrier M21 Re-Release

I know this is an old kit with old molding technology, but it aged well. Tamiya was the top of the heap in quality in the 1970’s I thought. I think these kits hold up. The parts count is about 173 parts for the vehicle, 20 parts for the figures and 40 parts for figure accessories. BUT wait - the instructions are logical and very well thought out. Even a beginner could get a gorgeous outcome with this kit. Further, a modeler could go with a straightforward halftrack with minimal items or really go for the “gypsy caravan” look that all WWII vehicles developed over time. This really isn’t a mix and match kit, being just one version of a halftrack. You can build the mortar crew on the outside of the vehicle, but that was rarely, if ever, done in reality during the war. The mortar was usually fired from the relative safety of the interior of the vehicle and the floor was reinforced to allow such firing. The model comes with a driver who is dressed in mid-war uniform with leggings. I would bet the driver for this one is the same driver for all Tamiya American halftracks. Careful placement of his arms is required, and you must leave the steering wheel off until the driver is in place. The mortar crew is nicely rendered, and they have the double-buckle boots with leather uppers commonly issued in the last stages of the war. You have a loader, helper and phone talker. The Signal Corps Radio can either be in the vehicle or built separately if the crew is outside of the vehicle. If careful painting and weathering techniques are done on the vehicle, it will come out beautifully. It was also a matter of problem-solving that makes modeling so much fun. I cut individual strips of electrical tape (yellow, orange and white) and wrapped them around the cardboard tubing that held the individual rounds in the interior. I think it came out great and worth all the tedium. I know that many have complained about old Tamiya figures, i.e., well done but five-foot-four average height and sort of “chunky.” But, careful painting and weathering can really make them look outstanding. Maybe not DML quality, but the kit ain’t $80 either. VERY VERY recommended

This is a re-release of a kit that I believe was first released almost 50 years ago (circa 1976). There is a marked difference between the engineering precision of this kit and Tamiya’s newer kits. While the detail is not as good, this kit still possesses a good level of realism and detail. I plan to use this half track in a diorama with the M3 personnel carrier (which is also a re-release of an older Tamiya kit). It would be great if Tamiya released an upgraded design of this half track. It’s surprising there aren’t more 1/35th scale kits of American half tracks. Assembly was straightforward, so I think this kit is ideal for beginners. The biggest challenge I had was attaching the body to the chassis and attaching the bumper. I had to shave off some of the plastic to achieve a consistent fit without any gaps between the pieces. Pros: Unique kit. Detailed (considering the age of the kit). Most parts fit together seamlessly. Cons: More flashing than on newer Tamiya kits. Figures are not as detailed as newer figures.

Really great kit. Tamiya never disappoints. Tons of accessories come with this kit, allowing for many different options for display. I chose to go with a museum piece keeping it clean. Was able to use a lot of the mortar crew gear as display items inside the vehicle depicting what the crew would have used in WWII. The pieces fit together really well with minimal sanding required, and they are very sturdy for removal from the sprue. I did have a little trouble with the decals adhering to the model and forming around some of the molded 'bolts' even when using Micro Sol. I don't usually have that issue with Tamiya models but this one was different. Overall it was a very fun kit to build and I would recommend it for anyone, regardless of building experience.

I took the original kit and modified the entire vehicle to represent the personnel carrier version, also by Tamiya. I added many details including several sets of DML figures, the original radio operator, and 2 Infantry figures from Master Box Models. My modified Halftrack is shown to be a Heavy Weapons platoon vehicle and to carry a full .30cal machine gun crew, 81mm mortar crew as well as supporting infantry all covered by a crew member firing a .50cal machine gun. This kit is very useful and highly recommended to anyone with some 1/35th scale modeling experience as there are many details as well as adding to it as I did.

This is a fun kit to build with parts that fit nicely and instructions that are easy to follow. Tamayi once again includes a nice selection of figures and plenty of additional pieces for added detail. And at a good price. As mentioned in other reviews, the placement of the arms of the driver and the steering wheel are tricky, so take your time with them. As shown by the pictures that others have included, there is a wide range of creative choices that can be incorporated into this kit.

I built the M16 Quad .50 Halftrack and didn't want it to be lonely so I acquired its battle buddy. Really fun build, plenty of tarps, rucks, individual weapons as well as the mortar and .50 M2. I don't do weathering or battle damage; my theory is that the vehicles have just been issued to the crews and they are beginning their first patrol. These Halftrack kits are addictive and I have the personnel carrier to build as well.

So the personnel carrier led me to these older Tamiya kits based on trucks. M3A2 personnel led me to this mortar version and figures can be onboard or alongside vehicle. If I had planned better I would have picked one of each version and built a diorama suited to show them all together. Very few assembly issues and at least 50% exact as M3A2 model except figures match molding color which is very dark. Still loved building it.

As usual even the old/new re-issue kits from Tamiya are great kits. Easy to put together and paint, with many after market options for figures and accessories to choose how to customize this kit. Little to no clean up needed for these parts and the figures, while they are dated, are still good enough to use in many a diorama. And you just cannot beat that price.

I've wanted to do this kit for some time now. went together very well and comes with lots of accessories. A great addition to any collection.

I love the brand best model makers I have dealt with, love the challenge I had on this one and the others I have done through the same company

As with all Tamiya Models the fit and quality are great. I try to build Tamiya models exclusively when practical. I highly recommend this kit.

One of the best, most detailed models I have ever had. Is even as turnable front wheels!

man this this is detailed and i like it ill have a picture of it when i'm dome

Just as described. Happy with product and extras kit comes with!