1:76 JGSDF Type74 Kai/G Tank

The Japanese Type 74 Kai/G tank in 1:76 scale from Fujimi

This plastic kit from the Japanese manufacturer Fujimi captures the Type 74 tank in the modernized Kai/G form. The 1:76 scale is one of the traditional small scales for land hardware — the finished model is small, quickly built and stands out beautifully in a pair with other machines of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

The real subject

The Type 74 was developed by the Mitsubishi company as the main battle tank of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force; it was taken into service in the middle of the 1970s. It was armed with a 105 mm gun and became known for its hydropneumatic suspension, which makes it possible to tilt the whole hull — in mountainous Japan it could therefore fire from slopes and from behind ridges as well. The Kai version (also designated G) represented a trial modernization of the older machine, aimed among other things at passive night vision devices and additional side skirts over the running gear; in the end it did not reach a large-scale rebuild and remained a rarity.

Building and painting tips

In a small scale tweezers, a sharp knife and a thin cement for plastic applied with a small brush come in handy. After assembly we recommend a base of primer and the typical Japanese two-tone camouflage in green and brown, which can be managed with an airbrush or a brush. A dark wash in the recesses and fine dust pigments on the running gear will bring out the detail.

Who the model is for

• collectors of Japanese postwar armored hardware
• modelers of the small 1:76 and 1:72 scales
• makers of dioramas on the theme of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces
• those interested in the less usual versions of well-known machines

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.