Tamiya 35260 - 1:35 Type 90 Tank w/ammo load.

Plastic model kit of the Japanese Type 90 main battle tank with ammunition loading scene in 1:35 scale

For years the Type 90 was the most modern tank in Japanese Self-Defense Force service, with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, an autoloader and a 1,500 hp engine. Tamiya 35260 is a complete kit of the whole tank, not merely an ammunition set: the box holds every part of the vehicle, plus a full ammunition loading scene.

The 2003 release uses the 1996 tank tooling with new figures and accessories. Six figures — a commander and five soldiers loading ammunition — together with two types of 120 mm rounds and wooden transport crates make it possible to build a complete armoured-unit scene straight from the box.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the complete Type 90 tank
• Six figures: commander and five soldiers loading ammunition
• Two types of 120 mm rounds
• Wooden-style ammunition transport crates (plastic parts)
• Waterslide decal sheet for five Japan Ground Self-Defense Force options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35260
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 278 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (extensive scene with six figures)

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model requires assembly.

Building the model:

The tank itself goes together quickly — the angular, welded hull and turret are made up of large, very well-fitting parts. More time will go into painting the six figures and the accessories, but these are what give the kit its character. It is worth painting the figures and rounds before finally arranging the scene.

For the tank, the two-tone JGSDF camouflage is recommended: dark green (e.g. Tamiya XF-73 Dark Green, JGSDF) and brown (XF-72 Brown, JGSDF) applied in the characteristic straight-edged patches. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps to avoid decal silvering, with a matt varnish as the final finish. A wash brings out the detail, and light dusting with pigments adds realism to the scene.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers 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)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes, including fine brushes for figures
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust effects

About the vehicle – Type 90:

The Type 90 is a Japanese main battle tank that entered service in 1990, designed with the defence of Hokkaido in mind — the northernmost island, regarded during the Cold War as the most likely axis of threat. Main armament is a 120 mm smoothbore gun built under Rheinmetall licence and fed by an autoloader.

It was the autoloader that allowed the crew to be reduced to three, an uncommon solution among Western tanks of the period. A 1,500 hp Mitsubishi engine gives the roughly 50-tonne vehicle a high power-to-weight ratio and excellent mobility.

Around 341 Type 90s were built. Because of their weight and dimensions they were stationed chiefly on Hokkaido, where the road infrastructure allowed them to move freely. Their successor is the lighter Type 10.

Original vehicle specifications (Type 90):

• Combat weight: approx. 50 t
• Crew: 3
• Main armament: 120 mm smoothbore gun with autoloader (Rheinmetall licence)
• Powerplant: Mitsubishi engine, 1,500 hp
• Operator: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
• In service: from 1990
• Production: approx. 341 vehicles

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. It began in the timber trade and wooden models, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came a 1:35 tank kit that established the scale as the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for exceptionally precise tooling and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. As a Japanese company, Tamiya has consistently developed a 1:35 range of Japan Self-Defense Force vehicles, from tanks to engineering equipment. Alongside plastic kits it offers a full range of paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.