In June 1937, the Waffenamt ordered a self-propelled version of the 60cm siege mortar to be built. General Karl Becker of the Artillery was heavily involved in its development, hence the sobriquet "Karl" used to describe it. The driving trials were held at Unterlass in May 1940, and delivery of six production vehicles occurred between November 1940 and August 1941. In February 1941, discussions were undertaken on ways to increase the weapon's range. In May 1942, 54cm barrels (Gerat 041) were ordered for the six production vehicles. At a conference with Hitler in March 1943, it was stated that the first 54cm Gerat 041 would be delivered by June 1943, a second in July, and a third by mid-August. The 60cm and 54cm barrels were designed to be interchangeable, based on the ammunition at hand and range of the target. In 1945, US forces captured vehicle No. II with a 60cm mortar, and vehicle No. V with a 54cm.

There has been a very strong response from collectors to Dragon's series of fully built-up 1:35 scale models, and the latest addition is a replica of the original Karl mortar system. In this case, bigger is better! Collectors will not fail to be impressed by the sheer size of this item, which appears in a standard German grey camouflage paint scheme. The giant vehicle is fully detailed with all the intricate components of the suspension, chassis, superstructure and mortar. The vehicle is shown in transport mode, where the suspension has been set to a higher position. For even greater interest, the huge mortar barrel can be elevated and depressed. Moreover, a true scale of ammo is included as a bonus. This monster of a model has been well painted and weathered, and it is ready for immediate display. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Width: 5-inches
Height: 6-1/2-inches
Length: 12-1/2-inches

Release Date: November 2007

Historical Account: "Siege of Sevastopol" - The Battle of Sevastopol was fought from October 30th, 1941 to July 4th, 1942 between German forces and the USSR over the main Soviet naval base on the Black Sea during World War II. It is notable in the way that the Germans used many of their heavy (200-800mm range) mortars in the battle.

A rapid thrust was launched towards Sevastopol on October 30th, 1941, consisting of two infantry divisions and one motorized brigade.

The Germans tried to burst into the city from the north, north-east and east, but were beaten back. The Germans then encircled the city. During this time the city was reinforced by sea, receiving the bulk of the Russian troops evacuated from Odessa. A more prepared attack was launched, and this soon intensified into an all-out effort.

On November 11th, 60,000 Axis soldiers launched another attack, but after ten days were forced to halt the attack. The attacks were repelled, primarily because von Manstein decided to attack the enclave's southern flank, counting on its seemingly poorer fortifications. The terrain in the south was prohibitively difficult, however, and the Germans failed to force a breakthrough. On December 4th, the local Soviet command reported that the defences had been reestablished.

Von Manstein therefore abandoned the attack in the south and transferred his forces to the north. The Germans also moved in their largest artillery piece, the 31-and-a-half inch gun Schwerer Gustav in preparation for another attack. The Wehrmacht began a five-day artillery barrage of the city, which some claim included toxic gas, to get the Russians out of their caves and bunkers. There are few sources which support such a claim, which would have been one of the few uses of chemical weapons during the war. On 17 December 1941 six German infantry divisions and two Romanian brigades with 1,275 guns and mortars, over 150 tanks and 300 aircraft launched the second attack. The late date meant that inclement winter weather hindered the Luftwaffe's operations, and the Soviets used this to reinforce the enclave. On December 21st, as the Germans, now less than two kilometres from Severnaia Bay, prepared for their final push, the Soviets launched a counter attack forcing them back. The second storming attempt also failed. By January 4th, 1942 every Axis unit had been stopped by Soviet counter-attacks. Shortly thereafter the Soviet winter offensive began, producing the Wehrmacht's so-called "Winter Crisis." (courtesy: Wikipedia)