Type 74	Trumpeter, 1/72 scale
by Wayne Bowman

 

 

Description

Here is my Trumpeter 1/72 JGSDF Type 74.

I am surprised not to have seen many of these built up, as it is an excellent kit. The only fiddly bits were the one-piece rubber tracks which were a tad on the stiff side (though not nearly so bad as their Type 90), as well as being about one link too long.

The only other additional work to speak of was thinning out of some of the external bracketry, replacing the moulded on grab handles and some levers with brass and wire, the addition of MV lens headlights, scratch built “running” lights, and substitution of Trumpeter’s “tow cable” (a piece of thread) with a suitable piece of wire.

The markings are for a tank from the JGSDF 71st Regiment, which although provided on the decal sheet, are not included as a marking option in the instructions (???).

From all of the photos that I looked at, the JGSDF appear to keep their vehicles very tidy (even in the field), so I kept the weathering to a minimum.

All in all, a very enjoyable build. Hope you like.

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