RichB
Well-known member
The Type 16 is one of the newest additions to the JGSDF armoury conceived as a lightweight rapidly deployable response to a change in Japan's policy. Main Battle Tanks would be withdrawn to the main islands of Hokkaido and Kyushu and replaced by the Type 16 equipped Rapid Response Regiments in he outer islands. The main armament is a low recoil L/52 105 mm rifled gun, optimized to fire on the move with a fire control system based on the the Type 10 MBT system. The Type 16's armour consists of welded, cold rolled steel plate with additional modular armour on the front and sides. It's lightweight allows the JASDF Kawasaki C-2 to carry one Type 16.
Tamiya has released the Type 16 in 1/48 and 1/35. It is typical Tamiya quality and without any interior, builds ups quickly. Finely moulded anti-slip panels are present. Printed masks are provided for the vision blocks and marker lights that are installed from the inside. Partial figures are provided for the Commander and Gunner to occupy their turret hatches. They are in the JGSDF camouflage uniform. Kit wheels are rubber/vinyl, but there are resin aftermarket available. Marking are provided for three vehicles, one from the Training School and two from Rapid Response Regiments. Colour scheme choice is JGDSF Earth and Dark Green. There is no stowage provided for the turret basket so scratch build and raiding the parts bin with be in order.
After a couple of hours work, the lower hull is built up. It is a bit unconventional in assembly, consisting of 6 pieces. Don't fear, you don't have to be an octopus to hold and glue the parts together, The upper deck and floor pan are held together by spacers allowing the front and rear panels to be installed, followed by the sides. I applied a little filler were the floor pan and sides met. The clear headlights, tailights and driver vision blocks were inserted from the inside and painted silver. The masks were cutout and applied the protect them.
Next up, the suspension system.
Cheers,
Rich
Tamiya has released the Type 16 in 1/48 and 1/35. It is typical Tamiya quality and without any interior, builds ups quickly. Finely moulded anti-slip panels are present. Printed masks are provided for the vision blocks and marker lights that are installed from the inside. Partial figures are provided for the Commander and Gunner to occupy their turret hatches. They are in the JGSDF camouflage uniform. Kit wheels are rubber/vinyl, but there are resin aftermarket available. Marking are provided for three vehicles, one from the Training School and two from Rapid Response Regiments. Colour scheme choice is JGDSF Earth and Dark Green. There is no stowage provided for the turret basket so scratch build and raiding the parts bin with be in order.
After a couple of hours work, the lower hull is built up. It is a bit unconventional in assembly, consisting of 6 pieces. Don't fear, you don't have to be an octopus to hold and glue the parts together, The upper deck and floor pan are held together by spacers allowing the front and rear panels to be installed, followed by the sides. I applied a little filler were the floor pan and sides met. The clear headlights, tailights and driver vision blocks were inserted from the inside and painted silver. The masks were cutout and applied the protect them.
Next up, the suspension system.
Cheers,
Rich
