Tamiya 35236 - 1:35 Type 90 Tank w/Mine Roller

Plastic model kit of the Type 90 tank with a mine roller (JGSDF) in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35236 depicts the Type 90 – a modern main battle tank of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) – fitted with a roller-type mine roller. The heavy roller mounted at the front of the hull detonates mines under the pressure of its rollers, allowing minefields to be crossed safely. The tank is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun with an autoloader, and the front is protected by composite armour. Figures are included.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running-gear parts
• Roller-type mine roller mounted at the front
• 120 mm smoothbore gun
• Figures
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35236
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 279 mm (tank only)
• Skill level: 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. It is worth assembling and painting the mine roller separately, then fitting it to the hull. The modern finish is best enriched 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 with a mine roller:

The Type 90 is a modern JGSDF main battle tank combining an autoloader, composite armour and a computerised fire-control system. Fitting a roller-type mine roller allows it to clear paths through minefields, making this version an important engineering-support tool for advancing armoured units.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length (tank only, 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: roller-type mine roller, autoloader, composite armour

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.