When speaking of 1/72 scale military models, some people might have the impression that they are simplified because they are small. However, looking at this “JGSDF Type 87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun Special Specification,” you realize that such a preconception was quite precarious. In fact, it is quite the opposite; precisely because it is a small scale, it has turned into a kit designed for enjoying a condensed sense of density by packing information to the limit. Moreover, this time it is a luxurious specification containing two vehicles. The configuration allows you to enjoy not only single displays but also alignments conscious of unit operations, which at that point already stimulates the imagination of military fans.

First, what surprises you is the perfection of the turret. By adopting one-piece molding with a slide mold, the complex shape is replicated with natural lines, and the sense of unity when assembled is extremely beautiful. The unique silhouette peculiar to the Type 87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun is a delicate design whose impression changes if the balance is lost even slightly, but this kit firmly captures those characteristics. In particular, it is impressive that parts often overlooked at a quick glance, such as the taper angle of the 35mm gun barrel and the position of the bulge, are carefully incorporated, letting you feel a dedication that “those who know will understand instantly.”

The charm of this kit does not end with just resembling the shape. The weld beads and anti-slip textures replicated on the upper and bottom surfaces of the hull are truly detailed, giving you a sensation as if you are looking at a “scaled-down real vehicle” rather than a model. It is especially interesting that they put solid effort into the sculpting of the bottom surface. Since it replicates parts that would normally not be surprising if omitted, such as the driver's emergency escape hatch, the passion of the creators comes through. This attitude of not compromising even on spots that become hard to see after completion is exactly that of an authentic kit.

What we want to pay special attention to in this special specification is, as expected, the presence of the photo-etched parts. It firmly covers areas where the thinness unique to metal materials shines, such as the grill mesh, rear basket, headlight guard, and heat exchange ventilator, raising the precision feel upon completion by one level. Moreover, it is a nice touch that it is configured so you can choose according to your preference, rather than “having to use all of them.” Both those who want to strictly upgrade details and those who want to turn only conspicuous parts into metal can enjoy it in their own ways. This flexibility is quite attractive.

And, the decal content of this kit is truly rich. It is not just a difference in numbers. It is considerably geeky at the point of covering numerous unit markings such as “2nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery,” “7th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment,” “Anti-Aircraft School,” and “Ordnance School,” but it even includes vehicles flying unit flags during review parades and vehicles with characteristic markings. Furthermore, it has the minuteness of including even the “Caution Overtaking” notation used when driving on public roads. Coming this far, it is an amount of information closer to a “JGSDF Vehicle Reference Book” than a simple model. With content that makes you actually want to recreate garrison scenery or exercise scenes, I believe it is a specification that will deeply resonate with diorama fans as well.

It cannot be overlooked that the smoke discharger is a selectable type between the early 3-tube type and the late 4-tube type. Since you can firmly replicate the differences depending on the period even for the same Type 87, there is a joy in thinking about “which era's vehicle to make.” Furthermore, with the laser rangefinder, infrared night vision device, headlights, and periscopes made into clear parts, the reality upon completion becomes considerably high. Clear parts have a greater effect as the scale gets smaller, and the atmosphere when catching light suddenly becomes realistic.

Though a small detail, I was also impressed by the fact that the towing cable is made as a separate part. While assembly is easier with one-piece molding for these parts, the benefit of making them separate is quite large when considering ease of painting. This kit gives the impression that it thought out not just increasing details, but even “how to smoothly bring it to completion.” The sense of balance, strictly subdividing necessary parts while keeping the number of parts to 109, is also exquisite.

This Type 87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun Special Specification is not just a 1/72 scale kit. Within a limited size, it is an extremely high-density product packed with real vehicle research, sculpting technology, detail replication, marking studies, and even ease of assembly as a model. Moreover, precisely because it contains two vehicles, a “sense of a unit” is born the moment you line them up. It holds a charm that makes you want to think about the placement and scenery, rather than just finishing the build. Touching a kit like this makes you realize once again that the hobby of scale models is “not just about assembling.”