introduction

Mines are an important, if despised component of modern warfare, and so CMK's decision to release a set of German anti-tank mines in its economical "Blitz" line is a welcome development for diorama builders and figure modelers alike.

The set includes two variants: the Tellermine 35 (T.mi.35) and later 42 version (T.mi.43 Pilz or "mushroom"). Both contained approximately 5.5 kilos of TNT, a pressure fuse and two anti-handling detonators to prevent easy removal. Estimates show the Nazis setting out upwards of 4,000,000 mines along the Atlantic Wall alone. Rommel's minefields of El Alamein were five miles deep. You get the picture: these were everywhere in WW 2.

the set

In a blister pack you get:

two resin sprues of mines four mines each (the website says only three each, but that's wrong)
A sheet showing how to scratch-build the handles

the review

There's not a lot to be said about this set: it has some fine casting that captures the look of these simple, but deadly devices. However, there are no handles (you have to scratch-build them yourself). The casting looks very crisp with the mines set off from the pour plug with diaphanous bits of flash instead of a heavy "nipple" effect.

But there is no painting guide, so you're on your own there. Photos of surviving examples are a variety of colors from red oxide to Panzer Gray.

conclusion

CMK has been sloppy in not including at least some suggestions on color. The lack of handles annoys me, too. Scratching them in this tiny size will be a challenge. But I'm happy to see that the set has been released at all.