JGSDF Type 82 Command Post
Trumpeter 1:35 Kit No. 00326
Review by Terry Ashley
Both kits share the same lower hull and suspension components with different upper hulls and other details and so we will first look at Kit #00326 which Trumpeter call the Type 82 Command Post for the sole reason to fit the name on the box top instead of the full length name.
The kit:
The standard of moulding is very good overall with many fine parts included with a minimum of pin marks although there are a few on the insides of the hatches but these are easy to deal with and just the normal fine moulding seam line on most parts to be removed.
Lower hull:
The large lower hull tub is a complex moulding that includes well defined
access panel details on the hull bottom, the lower sides with suspension
mounting plate details as well as the upper sponsons/wheel wells with
equally well defined head light detail on the front plate and it is obvious
that multi-part moulds have been used to ensure the detail is crisp and
well defined on all surfaces.
All the suspension components are separate parts including the axle mounts, large spring units that have good spring detail for plastic parts to the swing arms and steering mechanisms on the front two sets of wheels but due to the three metal axle shafts provided the front wheels are not steerable and altering their position will be quite a job if you did want to include this. The front mudguard and crew step is provided in etched metal and includes nice treadplate pattern on the step as well as the front number plate also in etched metal.
The large plastic wheels are in two halves each with nice tread pattern and include the ‘Bridgestone” embossing on the sidewalls while the separate hubs have excellent bolt head details that match photos very well.
The rear hull panel is a separate part again with good details but with the large rear door moulded integrally with the rear panel and there are separate jerry can holders with two part jerry cans, separate tail light clusters and etched number plate and mud guards and all this builds a very busy and well detailed lower hull assembly.
Hull interior:
A full front driver’s crew compartment is included with rear bulkhead
and floor panels with separate gear levers, and storage boxes with extensive
etched metal details as well as the seats, steering wheel and on the inside
of the upper hull is the full width instrument panel although the dials
are not well defined and the side mounted radio for a comprehensively detailed
compartment.
Upper hull:
The large upper hull is again in a single moulding with very well defined
details such as the engine intake grills on the roof to engraved panel
lines on the side walls plus other fine details and has the two front
top hatches and driver’s compartment panels as separate items with
additional separate armoured flap covers that can be positioned open or
closed to show off the interior. There are also numerous location holes
that need to be opened up from inside the hull for the many separate fittings
and you should carefully study the instructions to make sure you only
open up the holes actually needed?
The three driver’s compartment panels have the clear sheet provided for the glass and this is attached on the inside of the panels with etched wiper blades for the outside (four for the front screen and one each on the side screens) while the two side panels have the armoured flaps attached to the panel while there is as separate full width armoured panel to cover the front windscreen which is moulded to be positioned in the open position and some minor alterations will be needed if you wish to have the model ‘buttoned up’.
The two top hatches have nice details with separate grab handles on the insides but also a few pin marks that will have to be eliminated and can be attached open or closed as you wish.
The top panel of the rear hull compartment is a separate part to allow the details of the hatch periscopes and sills to be included and have clear sheet for the periscope faces and separate hatches which again can be positioned open or closed but there is no interior for the rear compartment. The 12.7mm MG is provided with small pedestal mounting and quite thin shield and the details on these parts is nicely done.
There is numerous separate fine smaller parts positioned around the hull such as all the grab handles as well as separate side hatch hinges, front head lights and guards, front and rear lifting eyes, side front rear view mirrors, rear aerial mounts and all the pioneer tools with all these separate parts giving a very well defined finish to the model.
There is also a rather chunky 7.62mm MG that can be positioned next to the co-driver’s top hatch but this is not normally fitted in most photos I’ve seen of the Type 82.
Figures:
Also included are five figures with two vehicle crew figures designed to
be standing in the rear top hatches and three infantry figures which have
quite nice uniform and other details that also portray the smaller stature
of the typical Japanese soldier.
A nice selection of person gear and weapons is also provided again with
good details that can be used with the figures as you wish.
Instructions:
These are the usual exploded view drawings but some sections are quite busy
and a little confusing so careful study before hand and during construction
will be needed and in some places it is a good idea to look ahead to get
a better idea where some parts go but with care there shouldn’t
be any problems.
Decals:
The small decal sheet is well printed and provides makings for three vehicles
of the one unit with the instructions showing five view drawings of one to
show the cam scheme and decal placement with another shown on the box sides
but some reference will come in handy with the painting.
Conclusion:
Overall a nicely detailed model with the many smaller separate items making
for a well defined model out of the box with the etched parts adding to this
feel.
The model should go together well as the fit of the main hull parts is good with much of the assembly taken up with the busy suspension and smaller detail parts and the inclusion of the figures is also a nice bonus.
If you are looking for something different that can be finished is quite attractive cam schemes and is not an unattractive vehicle either then this kit could be the thing.
Recommended.
The Sprues:
Reference:
The TANK GUY website has and excellent walkaround for the Type 82 CCV
http://www66.tok2.com/home2/tankguy/jgsdf03/Type82CCV.html
Thanks to the Australian Trumpeter Distributors J.B.Wholesalers for the review kit.
Page created 13 April 2005