Tamiya 1:35 US Armoured S.P. Mortar M106A1 (1980)

The Tamiya 1:35 U.S. Armoured Self-Propelled Mortar M106A1 (1980) is a plastic scale model kit of the M106A1 mortar carrier, a Cold War-era U.S. Army armoured support vehicle based on the M113 chassis.

About the vehicle

The real M106A1 was a variant of the widely used M113 armoured personnel carrier, modified to carry a heavy mortar system.

Key characteristics of the real vehicle:

• based on the M113 APC chassis

• fitted with an 81mm mortar (some variants used 107mm/4.2-inch systems depending on role and period)

• designed for indirect fire support of infantry units

• fully armoured aluminium hull for battlefield protection

• crewed by mortar team and driver

• mortar could be fired from inside the vehicle or dismounted

• widely used by U.S. Army and allied forces during the Cold War

It provided mobile artillery support with rapid deployment capability.

About the model kit

The Tamiya 1:35 M106A1 Self-Propelled Mortar (1980) is a classic armour kit from Tamiya’s earlier Cold War range.

Typical features include:

• 1:35 scale plastic AFV kit

• accurately moulded M113-based hull

• detailed troop compartment and mortar installation

• internal mortar base and firing mount

• realistic suspension and track system

• optional hatches and external fittings

• decal markings for U.S. Army units

• legacy-era Tamiya tooling with straightforward assembly

As noted, this example is from a Legacy Collection, meaning the box may show wear, but the kit parts are complete and sealed.

Key features

✔ 1:35 scale U.S. Cold War mortar carrier
✔ M106A1 variant based on M113 APC
✔ 81mm self-propelled mortar system
✔ Armoured troop compartment
✔ U.S. Army marking options included
✔ Classic early Tamiya military kit

Typical build use

This kit is ideal for:

• Cold War U.S. Army dioramas

• NATO mechanised infantry displays

• artillery support vehicle collections

• Vietnam War and Cold War-era scenes

• M113 variant progression builds

Skill level

Beginner to Intermediate

Suitable for:

• modellers new to Cold War armour

• hobbyists interested in support vehicles

• builders focused on straightforward assembly and painting

Ideal for

• Cold War military enthusiasts

• U.S. armoured vehicle collectors

• 1:35 scale AFV modellers

• artillery support diorama builders

• Tamiya legacy kit fans

Summary

The Tamiya 1:35 M106A1 Self-Propelled Mortar is a detailed model of a Cold War armoured mortar carrier, based on the M113 chassis, designed to provide mobile indirect fire support to U.S. Army infantry units.