【Tank】Type 90 Tank, which has always projected Japan's cutting-edge technology, made into a 3D figure! Equipped with gimmicks that change according to where it is placed, such as the main gun moving up and down and the turret rotating!

I want to thoroughly enjoy Japan Ground Self-Defense Force tanks with plastic models. For such people, the 1/35 scale model of “JGSDF Type 90 Tank” might be something you become curious about at least once. Speaking of the Type 90 Tank, it is an existence known as the main battle tank of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force developed by generously introducing advanced technology. The interesting part of this kit is not simply a “model made to look like a tank”, but dropping the powerful form based on straight lines unique to the actual vehicle into an affordable yet powerful size feeling of total length 278mm and total width 103mm. Gazing at the completed figure, the low-slung body, angular turret, and long main gun extending from there connect into one, firmly conveying the unique silhouette typical of the Type 90 Tank. You might think “Can I be satisfied just by assembling?”, but rather it is a single unit you will want to enjoy including the time gazing at fine details after completion.

To begin with, what kind of vehicle is the Type 90 Tank? Equipping a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun as the main gun, an autoloader is adopted. Furthermore, combining a gun stabilization device and a computer-controlled fire control system, high firing accuracy is pursued. On the defense side, composite armor is used on the front of the body and turret, and regarding mobility performance, the top speed is approx. 70km/h. Furthermore, it is a tank that seems to condense advanced technology of those days, such as being able to change the posture of the vehicle body with hydropneumatic suspension. In September 1991, mass production unit No. 1 was delivered, and thereafter deployed to units in various regions. Seeing the model after knowing such a background, you become able to look at it differently from a simple sculpted object, thinking “There is a meaning to this angular appearance” or “So technology of those days was packed here”. Assembling while researching about the actual vehicle would also be a way to enjoy unique to this model.

What I want to pay attention to in this kit is the fine expressions incorporated even into parts that cannot be understood from a distance. Canvas covers seen at the gun barrel base and composite armor parts are sculpted conscious of even the material texture, and non-slip processing is also reproduced on the vehicle body and turret. Furthermore, equipment making one feel the amount of information of the Type 90 Tank, such as engine grille, aiming periscope, machine gun, lights, and racks around the turret, are finely modeled. You might think “When completed, won't everything look the same?”, but the point is that through these small unevennesses and equipment items piling up, a machine-like density unique to tanks is born. If challenging painting or weathering, there is also room to add shading or sense of use by making use of each sculpting, expanding the fun of finishing into your own Type 90 Tank.

Being able to enjoy changing poses slightly after completion is also attractive. The main gun can be moved in up and down directions, and the turret is also rotatable. Furthermore, movable parts are provided for the commander hatch, gunner hatch, and crosswind sensor, and regarding the driver hatch, open or closed states can be selected and assembled. Because even slightly changing the angle of the main gun or the orientation of the turret changes the overall impression of the tank unexpectedly much, being able to create a figure to your liking when displaying is a pleasing point. In addition, equipment such as a snorkel used during submerged wading is also prepared as parts, becoming a structure where you can dig into and enjoy not only the main gun and armor that usually stand out, but the vehicle itself called Type 90 Tank as a model.

Even completing only the tank has sufficient impact, but in this kit, 2 figures of a commander and gunner are included. When placing figures, the point that the size of the vehicle body seen as a model until then suddenly takes on reality is interesting. “Is a tank this big?”, persuasive power unique to 1/35 scale is born by contrast with people. Not to mention displaying as a standalone, developing it into a diorama work by adding ground, vegetation, maintenance scenery, etc. also seems fun. Fun of knowing advanced designs possessed by actual vehicles, fun of building fine parts, and sense of satisfaction gazing thoroughly after completion. “JGSDF Type 90 Tank”, which allows you to savor those three, can be called a plastic model that lets you enjoy even the assembly process itself for people who want to make models themed on Japan's current tanks.