60cm Karl Gerät 040 - Hobby Boss 1:72

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 4:34 pm

Hi Guys !

Time for my biggest project in this Year - KARL.

Some information about the vehicle:

Karl-Gerät" 040 (German literally "Karl-device"), also known as Thor and Mörser Karl, was a World War II German self-propelled siege mortar (Mörser) designed and built by Rheinmetall. It was the largest self-propelled weapon to see service.[1] Its heaviest munition was a 60 cm (24 in) diameter, 2,170 kg (4,780 lb) shell, and the range for its lightest shell of 1,250 kg (2,760 lb) was just over 10 km (6.2 mi). Each gun had to be accompanied by a crane, a heavy transport trailer, and several modified tanks to carry shells.

Seven guns were built, of which six saw combat between 1941 and 1945. It was used in attacking the Soviet fortresses of Brest-Litovsk and Sevastopol, bombarded Polish resistance fighters in Warsaw and participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the attacks against the Remagen Bridgehead. Only one exists today; the others were scrapped after the war.

In March 1936 Rheinmetall made a proposal for a super-heavy howitzer to attack the Maginot Line. Their initial concept was for a weapon that would be transported by several tracked vehicles and assembled on site, but the lengthy preparation time drove them to change it to a self-propelled weapon in January 1937. Extensive driving trials took place in 1938 and 1939 using the first Neubaufahrzeug tank prototype and a scale model to investigate the extremely high ground pressure and steering of such an enormous vehicle. Firing trials took place in June 1939.[2] The full-scale driving trials were held at Unterlüss in May 1940. General Karl Becker of the Artillery was involved in the development, from whom the huge weapon gained its nickname.

In total, seven Karl-Geräte howitzers were manufactured. The first six had the nicknames "Adam" (later "Baldur"), "Eva" (later "Wotan"), "Thor", "Odin", "Loki", and "Ziu"; the seventh, the research and test weapon (Versuchs-Gerät), had no name. Delivery of the six production vehicles took place from November 1940 to August 1941.

In February 1941, discussions commenced concerning increasing the range of the weapon, and in May 1942, 54 cm barrels (Gerät 041) were ordered for the six vehicles. At a conference with Adolf Hitler in March 1943 it was stated that the first 54 cm Gerät 041 would be delivered by June 1943, and the third, by mid-August. Only three of the 54 cm barrels were actually completed and they could be mounted on Nr. I, IV, and V,[5] although any vehicle could be converted to use the smaller weapon.

Twenty-two Panzer IV Ausf. D, E and F chassis were modified with a superstructure capable of carrying four shells that replaced the turret and outfitted with a crane as Munitionsschlepper ammunition transporters/loaders.Two or three of these Munitionsschlepper were assigned to each weapon.

The 124-ton vehicle was propelled by a Daimler-Benz MB 503 A 12-cylinder liquid-cooled gasoline engine or a MB 507 C 12-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine, but this was mainly used for aiming (the mount had only 4 degrees of traverse on each side), as the engines provided a top speed of only 10 km/h (6.2 mph). For longer distances the Karl-Gerät was disassembled using a special 35 t (34 long tons; 39 short tons) mobile crane into seven loads. The chassis was loaded onto a six-axle Culemeyer-Strassenroller lowboy trailer. The other parts of the gun were lighter and used four-axle trailers. If the trailer with the chassis on board had to cross a bridge that couldn't carry their combined weight the chassis had to be off-loaded and driven across under its own power.The weapon was moved long distances via rail on a variant of a Schnabel car; the whole chassis was hung between two huge pedestal-mounted swiveling arms fixed to five-axle bogies. When it reached its destination, the weapon was detached from its supporting arms, driven to its intended firing location, then the chassis was lowered to the ground to distribute the recoil forces more evenly in preparation for firing. The Karl-Gerät proved to have no problems moving over normal soil, but under no circumstances was it allowed to make turns on soft soil lest it throw a track. The chassis had to be backed into position to fire, which expedited movement to a new position, but the firing position had to be precisely leveled and the approach route prepared ahead of time to fill in soft spots and any ditches, etc.[9] It could only be loaded at zero elevation, so it had to be re-aimed between every shot

Production history:

Designer : Rheinmetall
Designed : 1937–40
Manufacturer: Rheinmetall
Produced: 1940–42
Number built: 7 (Two types 040&041 - 54cm gun)

Specifications

Weight: 124 t (137 short tons; 122 long tons) (firing)
Length: 11.15 m (36 ft 7 in)
Barrel length: 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in) L/7
Width: 3.16 m (10 ft 4 in)
Height: 4.38 m (14 ft 4 in) (firing)
Crew : 21 (Gun Commander, Driver, Assistant Driver, 18 x Gunners)
Shell: separate loading, cased charges
Caliber: 60 cm (24 in)
Breech: horizontal sliding wedge
Recoil: hydro-pneumatic
Elevation: 55° to 70°
Traverse: 8°
Rate of fire: 1 round/10 min
Engine: Daimler-Benz MB 503 A gasoline or Daimler-Benz MB 507 C diesel
580 hp (590 PS)
Power/weight : 4.8 hp/ton
Suspension: torsion-bar
Fuel capacity: 1,200 l (260 imp gal; 320 US gal)

Operational range:
42 km (26 mi) (gasoline engine)
60 kilometres (37 mi) (diesel engine)
Speed: 6 to 10 km/h (3.7 to 6.2 mph)

Some historical pictures of this vehicle (not my version - this is Late version) :

Shell:

Model :

Model version - original photo :

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:57 pm

In Box

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:34 pm

Frames with parts (246) and decals:

My Model will be a number II , name EVA

Start of work with this Monster - on Friday

Post by **trekfanj** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:35 pm

Great minds think alike, AP!
I built this kit a few years ago, also marking it as "Eva." It's a very well - engineered kit, but be careful removing the shell loading crank (it's the part with two crank handles on the end that goes just behind the gun breech). Both of my handles snapped off after I cut it off the sprue.

Looking forward to a stunning finish!

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:54 pm

Thanx for this information Man

. Will be a great time with this model - I can not wait for its completion

.

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Thu Sep 11, 2014 3:24 pm

Some work with parts - preparation:

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 6:36 pm

After first gluing - 81 parts together.

Tommorow yet 2 parts and will be painting .

Post by **MrModelling** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 6:48 pm

To this, you can also add the Morser karl vehicle itself, which also contains another panzer like that

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 9:09 am

Morning work and rest gluing and some painting (brush) , 5-6 hours of work and this stage is closed. 86 parts altogether :

to be continued

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:03 am

Like it already!

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:31 am

hahaha I'll try to make it happen at the finish Frans

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 1:07 pm

Next stage of this story . 3 hours with model and next 39 parts (together) ready to painting. Half( of the gluing is finished

Its the end of work in this weekend

Post by **LudvigN** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 6:28 pm

Gotta love these 1/72 monstrosities, my space is too crammed for them but I do love seeing them coming to life!

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 9:58 pm

Your the man.
John

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 8:22 pm

Nice to see You Guys

.

The next 3 hours of work: some painting and next gluing (+31 parts).

All I did at this moment (together in one picture)
Was 12 hours of work and 156 parts were used.

Post by **rodrant** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 8:54 pm

Are you sure on building this one ??????? it has at least two and a half match lenght ...

Again and seriously , a very nice build , should be one to follow !

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 9:49 pm

Thanx for watching and comment

.He is three and a half match's long , three and half no two an half mate (match is 4,5 cm long

)- For me this model is a Monster

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 1:57 pm

You just blow my mind on every build Eryk.
The time and work and dedication are off the scale.
Ace job.
John

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 10:51 pm

John. Next 3hours & 42 parts in work. Result :

Final look at model (elements) after this stage:

Was 15 hours of work and 198 parts were used. Yet 6 parts in frames - Its a pitty , that only so much

.....I want more !!!

Tomorrow work with tracks - rubber but in good quality.

Guys !

Post by **UKguyInUSA** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 3:39 am

Looking great so far mate!

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 7:26 am

Thanx. Now I see, that gun barrel has been omitted at this stage

. I hope that I can do it properly ..today

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 8:29 pm

The barrel of mortar is ready.

Corps with Mortar ready to final painting

Tomomorow time for tracks:

and rest of gluing.

Post by **wappynutter** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:20 pm

Wow Eryk, this is gonna look excellent with that munitionspanzer...

Well done so far buddy...
Continued success my friend..

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 7:51 am

Thank You Andy

. I think so, will be a super Set - when will be finished (I hope so

)

Post by **Art17847** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:10 am

you are the Da Vinci of all things tiny!!!....cant wait to see it completed....great lob so far

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 10:49 am

O God

da Vinci

Are You short? . Thanx for kind words Mate . Some work and tracks after painting . Two
Drive wheels also ready - some work with silver/black colours ( spikes-abrasions )

To be continued

Post by **HWGuderian23** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 6:09 pm

Very beautifully detailed kit Eryk! You did an excellent job on your Karl so far ... looking forward to see him finished my friend ...

Post by **PaulAyrey** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 6:25 am

Wow, really great work so far. Looks amazing!

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 10:29 am

Thanks Markus and Paul

, nice to see You Guys

. Model after paining. Yet some work & painting - Mortar-barrel , four parts (Railings - next week) and will be ready to details painting and final washing and weathering . To this Stage > 200 parts and 21 hours of work ( altogether ). Result:

Post by **UKguyInUSA** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 5:33 pm

She came together quick...and looking awesome so far

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 10:56 pm

Thanx again Mate .The last entry in this week - tools and details painting.

I had to perform two extra parts. They were not in the box - I dont know why

Version 041 (not my )

Valid look version 040 (my )

My model before adding additional components:

and After - Now is correct :

And Photos od Model at this moment.

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:11 pm

Hi Guys ! Not to much time in this week, but i made new parts : little crank+ - was not in Box.

Im used som plastic and hair from the kitchen broom

Result :

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 9:04 pm

Railings are added - At this stage 22 hours of work, final version of this model contains 206 parts +tracks and was painted with brushes.
Finally "End of gluing" Gentelmen - Im so happy

.

Model is 16cm long .

Time for Mortar-Gun (filling the gap and painting)

+ Work with Decals.

Post by **PaulAyrey** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 6:17 am

Looks brilliant Eryk, wonderful work!

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 7:01 am

Thank You Paul - nice to read this mate

. Tomorrow model will be with decals and ready to wash and weathering

.

http://www.youtube.com/user/longlance67 · Post by **longlance67** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 9:44 pm

really nice work Eryk looks great mate

Post by **UKguyInUSA** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 3:02 pm

Looking fabulous so far Eryk!

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 7:12 pm

Thank You v.much for kind words Friends

Model after Mortar barrel painting and with decals (23 hours of work together):

And my HobbyBoss Set redy to final work

I have not modeller-materials for finish, I bought yesterday, few days i must waiting

...

) .Now little break Guys.

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 5:02 pm

This is the model ! Oh Yeah

Karl 040 Late version of chassis with Railway carrier.

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 8:23 pm

Model after chipping + chassis painting (1,5 hours of work)

Closer and closer to the End of this Story , Tomorrow will be the same work , but with Munitionschlepper

Post by **Deacon** » Thu Oct 02, 2014 5:40 pm

This is just lovely work mate, very tempted to get one of these having seen your thread.

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Thu Oct 02, 2014 8:29 pm

Thanx mate

. I'm glad that You like that. I have to admit - this is my "model of life" after B29 (also painted with brushes)

Post by **UKguyInUSA** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 3:22 am

Looking awesome mate!

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 11:16 am

Thanx again Martin

Only 3 hours of work and will be ready

- after weekend

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Sat Oct 11, 2014 2:23 pm

Welcome Gentelmen's

16CM LONG MONstER IS FINISHED Was 30 hours of work

This time - Photos in natural light

More photos in : http://intscalemodeller.com/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=9059

Post by **ojays** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 11:10 pm

What a brilliant build.
I have one in my stash along with the rail transporter, & this has given me the impetus to go ahead with mine
Could you tell me the name/make of the ammunition wagon please, I haven't seen one of these before.
Many thanks Gregg

Post by **digger303** » Fri Apr 08, 2016 5:08 am

ojays wrote:What a brilliant build.
I have one in my stash along with the rail transporter, & this has given me the impetus to go ahead with mine
Could you tell me the name/make of the ammunition wagon please, I haven't seen one of these before.
Many thanks Gregg

I think there may have been one which was based on the panzer 3 as well
German Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D/E Fahrgestell
Trumpeter - Nr. 00362 - 1:35
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/104823- ... ahrgestell

Post by **ojays** » Sat Oct 01, 2016 8:36 pm

digger303 wrote:
ojays wrote:What a brilliant build.
I have one in my stash along with the rail transporter, & this has given me the impetus to go ahead with mine
Could you tell me the name/make of the ammunition wagon please, I haven't seen one of these before.
Many thanks Gregg

I think there may have been one which was based on the panzer 3 as well
German Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D/E Fahrgestell
Trumpeter - Nr. 00362 - 1:35
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/104823- ... ahrgestell

Thanks for the info!

Post by **Davethepitch** » Sat Oct 01, 2016 8:45 pm

I remember when I built my 1/35 Thor version http://www.intscalemodeller.com/viewtop ... 29&t=19713