Since the First World War the mortar had been seen as an indispensable support weapon for infantry. The Red Army was a strong believer in such weapons, but in 1939 the main mortar in use was 5cm calibre, although the better hitting power of the larger calibres soon meant they became the standard weapon, particularly when defence against the Germans turned into attack.

This game piece for the Zvezda 'Art of Tactic' game system consists of two 82mm mortars with two crew each. Although we have shown the pieces separately, which is fine, they can be mounted together using the large base as seen here, See the sprue image for full details of the parts that go to make up these figures, both of which have some very simple assembly. With just two poses this is hardly a figure set in the traditional sense, but the figures are accurate and very nicely done although there is something clinical about them and the detail is not quite as crisp as we would have liked. The mortar is an excellent model, and not greatly simplified. By allowing the figures and gun to be separate they are more useful for general modellers, and have the advantage of assembling very easily without need for glue. A great little piece then.