I am building Dragons Morser Karl. I have decided to replace the kits tracks with a set of Friulmodel tracks. Which set should be used? Early or late or does it not matter?
Thanks for the help.

That's a late Karl, so I'm assuming late tracks. But I don't know if there is any difference.

They are quite different and they won't fit Dragon sprockets without modification. There are good reviews of Karl Morser kits and AM accessories on Terry Ashley site http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/subject/karl.htm

Check it out, you'll find plenty of information there.

Thanks for the info guys. I was just not sure which way to go.

The bad thing is I already have my drive sprocket assembled. Bet I can do something to make them fit.

You can also go with the LionMarc resin tracks, they fit Dragon sprocket very well without any modification. Not sure if they are still available though.

My understanding is late = 54 cm. The 60 in this kit and the cover art with panzer gray leads me to believe this should be an early karl. You should be able to clarify this with minimal research. I am not familiar with this kit but comparison of the running gear with that on the dragon 54 cm loki kit (late) might be helpful.

Jim, you might want to check this site for information on the differences in the tracks depending on which Gun you plan to build

http://anonymous-generaltopics.blogspot.com/search/label/Karl-Ger%C3%A4t

Not quite exactly. In this case, the Karls are classified according to their running gear. Only the first two Morsers (Adam aka Baldur& Eva aka Wotan) had early type suspension (eminent longitudinal bar, 8 rubber roadwheels per side, sprocket with 17 teeth). The next five vehicles had modernised suspension with 11 steel roadwheels, sprocket with 12 teeth. Links per side: 133 in early, 94 in late (source Panzertracts. Berta's Big Brother. Karl-Garaet).

The 60cm or 54 cm howitzers were practically interchangable, though smaller calibers (Geraet 041) had been used on vehicles I, III, IV, V and, VII (the last one was 54 cm testing vehicle).

The Dragon kits allows to build the late version suspension only. If you would want build early vehicle in 1/35th, you should look for Trumpeter or CMK kit. The reviews show that Trumpeter Karl kits are superior to Dragon's or CMK's.

I ordered the late set of tracks. They are becoming hard to find. Sprue Bros only had 1 set left.

I might try to find a barrel, but that will probably be difficult as well.

Thanks for the new link. I love these big guns and their look. I might even build the 54cm version later on.

Armo (Jadar Model) of Poland makes barrels for Karl. Actually I own one spare, because I've planned build Dragon kit, then changed my mind and switched to Trumpeter. Would sell cheap, PM me if interested.

I did get my tracks in Wednesday and will probably try out a few tonight to see how they fit.

The barrel is on its way from Raimondas in Lithuania. So, I have some time to work on the tracks!

Hi,

Maybe this link is useful, the site is devoted to karls kits and aftermarket for karl kits in all scales (and also the munitionsschelpper):
http://geraet040.web.infoseek.co.jp/karl_acc-eng.html

It also contains all kinds of comment on all kinds of karl kits, see the bottom of the home page.

Regards,
Pascal

The tracks are just a little narrow for the kits sprocket, but we already knew that. Since I did not know about this I already had them together. So, now I might have to cut them apart and re-glue them.

I did about 50 links in 50 minutes. This was a little under half of one track. So, maybe about 3 more hours until those are finished.

Then while going through my paints, I found I am missing Panzer Grey!!! Guess I will have to order some.

I have made the decision to have this done and ready to show at the Atlanta IMPS show in June. It would be nice if I could get a ship done too. Maybe next year.




Pascal- Thanks for the new link!

A very pleasant surprise today in the mail box, the barrel arrived. I was not expecting that for a few more days. Seems the postal service can still surprise people.

Hi,

Maybe another useful link:
http://www.one35th.com/morser/karl_hist.htm

The site is a bit crowded but after reading the page scroll completely down and hit the "next" button on the lower left for the next page on history (just adding this because I missed it the first time)

Regards,
Pascal

When I read the headline, I was thinking about

This Moser

Hi,




Actualy the fourth photo from the top is not a 54 cm karl dismounting or mounting its rail transport. It is a picture of a bombed and captured karl near the Remagen bridge. If you look closely there is an allied soldier standing to the left in the picture and there is damage on the back (left side picture) of the karl.

The seventh karl might have been called "Fenrir" but this is unconfirmed, it was, as said before, used as a test bed vehicle.

Regards,
Pascal

I'm glad it have come. Make best use of it

Just a quick shot of the progress thus far.



I think by early next week I should be able to get some paint on it.

I got the tracks done today. The drive sprockets had to be cut apart and sanded to fit. Next step is probably a nice bath in blacken it tomorrow.

Jim, how many track links did you use per side? If I remember well, this kit represents Karl in firing mode, ie with suspension raised and hull lowered on the ground. Therefore, the tracks should have more apparent sag due to the shortening of suspension "loop". I'm ot sure, if I explained it properly, but it should be like here:



Good luck!

I used 91 per side. Also I am using the traveling chassis for my project. The firing one was broken in the box.

Even with 91 I think the firing position would still have a droop in it. I will check that out and let you know.

Started the painting process. Lower chassis and gun mostly done. There is still a little work to do on the main section and them I can give it a coating.

Ok, got some more work done.

I am not sure about two things.

#1. Color of the shell
#2. The exterior of the gun has a ring of bare metal. It is part of the recoil and I am guessing this would actually have been clear of finish. If any thing it may have grease or heavy oil in this area.

Any ideas on these two?