Type 90 Japanese Tank 1:76 Scale Fujimi Model Kit #76033 Review

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Type 90 Japanese Tank 1:76 Scale Scale Fujimi Model Kit #76033 Review

Review and photos by Lonny Dyer

This is the main battle tank of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. It was fielded in 1990 to replace the type 61 and type 74 tanks. The design is very similar to the US M1, the German Leopard and the British Challenger. In fact, they all use the same German built 120mm smoothbore gun. The main difference is that the type 90 has a full autoloader for the gun system so the crew is reduced to 3 men. The type 90 is also smaller so that it can negotiate the rugged home terrain.

For the Modeler: Available at larger retailers and online model stores this is the Fujimi Type 90 Japanese Tank kit #76033 in 1:76 scale. It is a skill level 3 kit and requires patience but it’s packed with great detail. Upon opening the box I found the kit was contained on three sprues consisting of 87 parts molded in light grey, a decal sheet and the instructions. The instructions consist of a photograph depicting general part locations but the little bit of written instructions are in Japanese. The first step is assembling the 3 pieces that make up the lower hull, which takes careful alignment to complete. Allow this to dry before you attempt to install the road wheels. Do not install the drive sprockets (#37 &38) until you are ready to add the multi-piece track, or your track may not align in the slots of the sprockets. The next step is to assemble the 3 pieces of the upper hull; again careful alignment is required for a clean fitment. I installed the track using Testors tube glue by attaching the 4 smaller pieces of track to the large upper piece and the formed it over the idler wheels and the drive sprocket before the glue set.  Now add the bottom track pieces and glue together and let dry. The turret goes together easily when following the instructions. I painted this kit’s camouflage using olive drab and dark earth and the track is rust and flat black.

Conclusion: While the small size 1:76 can frustrate even an experienced builder, overall this kit goes together very easily and fast.  Once the painting is done you get a very realistic looking tank model that doesn’t take up a lot of shelf space. The only problem I had was with the track where I had to remove some wheels to get it installed.

*Right On Replicas. LLC thanks ATM Hobby for supplying this kit.

 

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