Tamiya 35004 - 1:35 US Army Tank Crew

Plastic model figures: US Army Tank Crew in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35004 is a set of four US Army tank crew figures for self-assembly. It comprises a gunner, a loader and two commanders — one scanning the ground through binoculars, the other pointing the way with an outstretched arm. These are poses that bring a finished model to life: they fill open hatches and create a clear scene of a crew directing the fight.

Tooled in 1970, the set stands out for the breadth of its use. Tamiya notes that the uniforms of US armoured crews allow these figures to be used with vehicles from the Second World War through to the Vietnam War — they suit 1:35 models of the M48 and M60 tanks, among others.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the parts for four US Army tank crew figures
• Poses: gunner, loader, commander with binoculars, commander pointing the way
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35004
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Series: Military Miniature Series
• Number of figures: 4
• Tooling: 1970
• Skill level: beginner

Note: The kit does not include cement, paints or modelling tools. The figures are supplied for self-assembly and painting.

Assembly and painting:

The build is quick and accessible to beginners — the figures consist of only a few well-fitting parts. It is worth taking a moment to remove the gate marks and smooth the mould parting lines before painting. Painting the torso, head and hands separately and assembling the figure afterwards is a convenient approach.

Figure painting is a skill of its own, but a simple set like this is a good place to practise. Olive shades (e.g. Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab) form the base for US tank crews, complemented by the colours of leather, equipment and flesh tones. A wash helps bring out the folds of jackets and coveralls, while dry-brushing highlights the raised areas. The instructions provide Tamiya paint codes.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes, including fine ones for faces and details
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise uniform folds and details
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the soldiers – US Army tank crews:

The American armoured force grew during the Second World War around the M4 Sherman medium tank, operated by a crew of five: commander, gunner, loader, driver and assistant driver. A classic image of those years is the commander standing in the cupola with binoculars — observing from an open hatch gave incomparably better awareness than the vehicle's optics.

After the war this experience carried over to later generations of armour. The M48 Patton, introduced in the 1950s, and its successor the M60 served the US Army for decades; M48s were used intensively during the Vietnam War. Crew duties remained much the same, and the working dress of tankers changed slowly enough that figures of US armoured crews suit vehicles from a very wide span of time.

Historical background:

• Formation: US Army armoured troops
• Period indicated by the manufacturer: from the Second World War to the Vietnam War
• Typical tank crew: commander, gunner, loader, driver
• Use: 1:35 models of US tanks, including the M48 and M60
• M48 Patton — a 1950s tank widely used in Vietnam; M60 — its successor and the US Army's main battle tank of the Cold War

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in the timber trade, moved on to wooden models in the late 1940s and released its first plastic model kit in 1960. In 1968 it launched the 1:35 Military Miniature Series, to which this figure set also belongs. The brand is known for precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which makes its kits a popular choice for beginners and experienced modellers alike. Tamiya figures are valued for their natural poses and clearly rendered uniforms and equipment. Besides plastic kits the company offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today Tamiya is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.