Tamiya 35208 - 1:35 JGSDF Type 90 Tank

Plastic model kit of the modern Type 90 tank (JGSDF) in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35208 depicts the Type 90 – a modern main battle tank of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The vehicle is fitted with a 120 mm smoothbore gun with an autoloader, a gun-stabilisation system and a computer-controlled fire-control system providing high accuracy. The front of the hull and turret is protected by composite armour, and a hydropneumatic suspension allows the vehicle's attitude to be adjusted.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running-gear parts
• 120 mm smoothbore gun
• Reproduced road wheels and tracks
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35208
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 279 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit and approachable assembly. Modern tanks usually wear a uniform, dark finish – emphasise the final result with a subtle wash and light operational weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – Type 90:

The Type 90 was developed as a modern main battle tank for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, bringing together advanced technologies. Thanks to its autoloader, composite armour and computer-controlled fire-control system it ranks among the leading modern designs. The first production vehicles were delivered in the early 1990s.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length (with gun): approx. 9.8 m
• Width: approx. 3.4 m
• Height: approx. 2.3 m
• Combat weight: approx. 50 t
• Powerplant: diesel engine, approx. 1,500 hp
• Max speed: approx. 70 km/h
• Armament: 120 mm smoothbore gun; machine guns
• Crew: 3
• Feature: autoloader, composite armour, hydropneumatic suspension

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.