Tamiya 35383 - 1:35 Japan Ground Self Defence Force Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicle C5 with Winch

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the JGSDF Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicle C5 with winch

The Type 16 MCV is the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's answer to the need for rapidly deployable firepower: a wheeled vehicle with a 105 mm rifled gun, able to travel by road at up to 100 km/h. Tamiya 35383 depicts the C5 version fitted with a winch — a 2023 release in which new parts were added to the Type 16 tooling created in 2018.

The C5 differs from the basic Type 16 in features such as the air conditioning unit at the rear of the turret, a rammer stowage box, handrails around the turret rear, an antenna guard and a winch with drum and cable. The model can be built with or without the winch. The guards for the enlarged turret basket are supplied as photo-etched parts, and string is included for the cable. The tyres are semi-pneumatic and the four front wheels are steerable. The three figures — one full figure and two busts — have clear goggles, for which masking stickers are provided.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and equipment
• Photo-etched parts (guards for the enlarged turret basket)
• String for the winch cable
• Winch with drum and cable (the model can be built with or without it)
• Semi-pneumatic tyres, four steerable front wheels
• Three figures (one full figure and two busts) with clear goggles
• Masking stickers
• Decal sheet for two marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product number: 35383
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: approx. 248 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (photo-etched parts, winch with cable, fine detail)

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

Building the model:

The model is large but straightforward to assemble, and the parts fit typical of Tamiya makes the work easy. The photo-etched turret basket guards need the most care — we suggest cyanoacrylate glue and precision tweezers. It is worth planning how to wind the string onto the winch drum before the surrounding parts are glued in place. The supplied masking stickers make it easy to protect the clear goggles while painting the figures.

For painting we suggest the two-tone JGSDF camouflage of dark green and brown (e.g. Tamiya XF-73 Dark Green JGSDF and XF-72 Brown JGSDF); the instructions give Tamiya paint codes for both schemes. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a suitable final finish. A wash brings out the panel lines and detail, while pigments reproduce dust on the tyres. For even crisper detail, the Tamiya 12686 metal barrel is available separately — it is not part of this kit.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts and the string
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust effects

About the vehicle – Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicle:

The Type 16 MCV was designed for Japanese conditions: an island nation needed a vehicle that could be moved quickly by road or air to wherever a threat appeared, and that could provide fire support on arrival. Instead of tracks, the design uses a wheeled chassis capable of up to 100 km/h.

The 26-tonne vehicle is armed with a 105 mm L/52 rifled gun plus 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns. It is powered by a 570 hp Mitsubishi engine and operated by a crew of four. It entered service in 2016.

The C5 version depicted here is distinguished by the air conditioning unit at the rear of the turret, a rammer stowage box, handrails around the turret rear, an antenna guard and a winch with drum and cable for difficult terrain.

Original vehicle specifications (Type 16 MCV):

• Weight: approx. 26 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 105 mm L/52 rifled gun
• Secondary armament: 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns
• Engine: Mitsubishi, 570 hp
• Top speed: up to 100 km/h
• Service: with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force since 2016

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in timber and wooden models, and in 1960 it released its first injection-moulded plastic kit. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the scale as a worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise moulds and outstanding parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases and is one of the most comprehensive catalogues of 1:35 military vehicles anywhere. Alongside kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.