Morser Karl Gerat 040/041

I'm about 98% done with this kit so figured I should comment while the thoughts are still fresh in my mind. I've wanted to build this kit for the longest time since I had built one 40yrs ago in 1/72 scale by Hasagawa. Was a great kit back then and it's still available but kinda small.I only build 1/35 now. So to review this kit there is a lot to say. There is some thinking to do before starting like early or late version, firing or traveling mode and 540 or 600mm mortar. Study the instructions carefully before cutting the first piece. Depending on the decisions you make, you will be skipping around in the instructions. I started building the top hull and mortar first and built the chassis last. There is a ton of tiny parts so have tweezers ready and likely some magnified glasses. I built the early version chassis and found the tracks to be too long, even if built for traveling mode. Had to cut and sew the tracks. Beware the instructions are erroneous as to firing and traveling mode. The labels are switched around. If building the early chassis, construct the bar that goes across the wheels first and dry fit everything so you know how it all goes together before cementing in place. It's important for that bar to be placed correctly so everything else will line up with it. There is also some exhaust pipe extensions provided which the instructions do not mention but it's easy enough to figure out if you decide to use them. The kit comes with 9 crewmen however they aren't really configured for this mortar. I believe they belong to a Leupold cannon especially since the parts trees are labeled as such. Was a bit disappointed as the correct set of figures would have really made this kit great. One interesting thing is that the drivers compartment seems sized for a child rather than a full grown man. This is the case with this kit as well as the 1/72 kit I built.Overall it's a great kit but not recommended for a casual or beginner builder. I'm not a model building expert but have a lot of kits under my belt to know a few things. Do wish Tamiya would offer a similar kit. Lastly, as another reviewer mentioned, it's very fragile once the hand rails are built so be very careful. Buy it. Every 1/35 scale armor collection needs one.