Hi, guys!

I have received Tamiya's "white box" 1/35th scale JGSDF Mitsubishi Type16 Maneuver Combat Vehicle. I was (I still am) quite excited for having the chance to review this kit from many reasons but the most important is that I really wanted to try one of the newest Tamiya offering in the armor range which are so well received by critics everywhere. Many thanks to Tamiya America, Darren Baker and Jim Starkweather for making this review possible.







Let me introduce you first to the box contents:

Sprue A - 2 examples:


Sprue B:


Sprue C:


Sprue D:


Following I am inserting some selective shots with details on the styrene sprues:




















You noted it already: the sprues are flash-free and the layout is superb. Some minor parts on Sprue D have microscopic parting lines - easy to scrape away. I couldn't find any sink mark. The ejector pin marks are quite present, but on the invisible after assembly sides with the sole exception of the mud guards (see infra).
As a general comment I can make now, the small detail is much improved in these newer kits from Tamiya - it's enough to have a look at the pioneer tools to convince yourself! There is some simplified detail, like the many eyes for adding external stowage but those details are easy to be replaced with scratch-build parts. (Probably Dragon would have offered a hundred microscopic impossible to glue PE parts. Honestly, I prefer Tamiya's approach for the sake of my own sanity ).

Clear parts have a slight yellowish tinge to them but they are perfectly clear and the areas to be painted have a different texture that the areas to be kept unpainted - nice touch!


Poly-carbonate caps are also present for the moving parts which are abundant (see infra)


The tires are hollow, very soft and beautifully detailed. The side walls are also detailed, although the "Bridgestone" branding is missing. However, I find them very realistic and with some weathering they'll look unquestionable spot-on.


Decals are printed in-house by Tamiya but, again, they seem to be thinner than the older ones. The color registry is perfect. In my white box edition the decals are spread over two sheets, but in the commercial boxing they will be printed most probably on one sheet:




The instructions manual is a laser print in my box, as the paint guide is but one can note right away another improvement: the well laid-out instructions are even easier to read now, because Tamiya cleverly use the gray scale:


From instructions is missing the sprue lay-out (usual Tamiya) which can be a problem in particular instances. For example, in my box was a broken piece. Fortunately the piece is the gun mantlet, easy to identify, but what if would have been a bunch of tiny detail rattling into the box?

This would be the most basic peek into the box... next update will follow suit!

Cheers!
Gabriel

Hi, guys!

Now please allow me to introduce you to the real vehicle:


I'm posting this video because I have some doubts regarding the camouflage colors suggested by Tamiya in the painting guide:


However hard I've tried, I cannot see the third color on the video. Type 16 seems to have standardized camouflage. The four painting options offered by Tamiya are variations of the same theme. The pictures I found online are leading to the same conclusion. Only the prototype can be seen with different camo and some minor external differences; all the other examples I found resemble to each other. The example in the video belongs to 14th Tank Corps - a vehicle from the same unit is present in Tamiya painting guide, but under other registration number. I am getting a little confuse here, because I really cannot spot TS-70 (XF-74) nowhere in the video. my best guess is that the vehicle is either XF-74 / XF-72, either XF-73 / XF-72 bi-color scheme.
I'm not sure yet how I'm going to paint it, but I'm rather biased towards XF-73 / XF-72. Any suggestion / idea will be welcome!

Thank you!
Gabriel

At 6:29 there is a good view of the black panel around the exhaust. I didn't see this in the painting instructions you posted. Maybe mentioned somewhere else in the instructions.

About the olive drab: It looks as if Tamiya wants OD on the lower chassis/hull, behind the wheels. In the video clip that area looks like the same brown that is used on the upper hull, at least to my eyes.

Go for two colours and don't forget the black panel by the exhaust.
/ Robin

UPDATE

I have started the assembly of the model, following the instructions manual. So far so good: no problem encountered whatsoever:

Upper and lower plates glued together; the sides are only temporarily in place for alignment check:


The surface of the plastic has a satin sort of finish and the glue leaves visible marks - no worries though, they will disappear under the primer / painting:


The lenses have to be installed and painted thus early, because the hull gets closed-up during the following step. Signals painted with Tamiya clear orange:


Rear set of lights painted with Tamiya clear red and Tamiya clear orange:


Lenses sprayed from behind with Alclad aluminum to simulate the mirrors and render the clear colors "reflective"


The hull "boxed up". Superb fitting!


Rear plate view:


Front plate view:


The only instance the hull needed some filler (Vallejo Acrylic Putty)


Visible pin marks on the inside of the mud flaps that I was mentioning in the opening post, filled with Tamiya Surface Primer:


Superb engineering feat from Tamiya: the very complex transmission / steering (workable) / suspension system.
.

Now I've reach a new impasse: If I assemble all the parts, I cannot paint them properly so probably I need to paint them and assemble in "layers" but for that I need to prime and apply the base coat first. So, I guess I'm going to jump to step 16, attach all the external detail on the upper hull, build the turret, prime and base coat everything, and only after I come back and assemble / pre-paint the underside mechanisms. I'm not fully decided yet, but I don't want to let that superb underneath detail get lost!

Thank you for following!
More updates in the making!
Cheers!
Gabriel

Thanks, Robin!
The black panel it is mentioned indeed somewhere else in the instructions - I will not forget it. And you have reached the same conclusion: there is no OD in the video. However, I have low trust in Tamiya color accuracy and perhaps I'm going to mix my own hues according to the video / photo references.

Thanks again!
Gabriel

Hi, guys!

UPDATE

I started adding the exterior detail to the main hull:

Driver's periscopes:


Pioneer tools, towing eyes and lifting hooks attached to the rear plate:


The turret assembled. Quite spectacular detail provided by Tamiya:


CITV camera, loader's vision block and smoke generators in close-up:


The range finder:


Commander's cupola:


The hatches are workable, but no detail on the interior side:


The turret dry-fitted to the hull. Very slick looks!


The basket is nicely done to scale - just a bit fiddly to assemble


MG dry fitted. (not visible in the picture, but I drilled out the muzzle):


The gun barrel dry fitted as well. And here's why sometimes this vehicle is being called a wheeled tank, some other times a tank destroyer:


That is for now - I'm making plans for priming after attaching the last exterior details.
On the positives, the fit is trouble free and the speed of assembly almost recommends this build as a "week-end build".
On the negatives, I think Tamiya has enough engineering prowess to find a better solution for the perforated smoke disperser at the end of the barrel...

Thank you for following!

More updates in the making!

Cheers!
Gabriel

Hi, guys!

UPDATE
All the sub-assemblies completed and the model ready for priming:


Lights masked off before priming:


Vision blocks also masked with Tamiya masking tape:


I chose a black primer this time: Mr. Surfacer 1500 Black


I'm not being entirely sure about the color scheme of the vehicle, but I have mixed my own acrylics (Homefront range) according to photo references:


However, after testing the hues on the wheels I have tweaked the brown. The one in the far left is the fist attempt, the one on the right the second (final) mix:


With the color testing deemed as satisfactory, I am ready now to move to the final part of this build.

Thanks for following!
More updates coming soon!

Cheers!
Gabriel

Looks great so far.

Do you know roughly when this will release? (2019/2020?)

I bought some of Tamiya's 1/35 JGSDF figures not long ago and may have a vehicle to put with them..

Thanks, Paul!

On the American market was released already. Squadron and Scalehobbyist have the kit in stock with a MRSP of 57USD. Should be available soon in Europe as well.

Cheers!
Gabriel

Hi, guys!

UPDATE

The model was sprayed with my home brewed paints, observing the photo references:


First I sprayed the brown, because seems to be lighter:




Further on I applied free hand the green:




I need to fix a mistake I did on the rear plate, but generally I am content with the result. After retouching, a gloss clear coat will follow.

Cheers!
Gabriel

This has been a great and informative build to follow so far! I know you made your own paint mix, but do you have a general idea of the paint ratios you used for the brown?

Hi, Alan!

Thank you for your interest in the build. I have no clue on the proportions, because I made the mix by the eye, but I can describe you the process:

These aere the colors I have used:


1. I started with a good squeeze from the burnt sienna tube (1/5 2oz cup). First notes: too saturated and too red.
2. I toned down the burnt sienna using yellow (one might be tempted to use white, but because burnt sienna is too red, the mix would have steered towards pink). I stopped when the mix started steering towards green but at this point it was yet too saturated.
3. I used sandstone to tone it down even more, again avoiding to use pure white.
4. I tried the mix on already primed parts (wheels) and I found the mix was still too green and looked under-toned.
5. I tuned up the tone and corrected the green bias by using burnt umber (darker and redder than my mix)
6. Tested again and declared myself content

Other considerations:

a. It is easier for the inexperienced "alchemist" to fix the tone first; in this case the first step should be burnt sienna + sandstone. Only after you reach the desired lightness, you can "steer" the hue on the desired direction (towards red or towards green, using primary colors).

b. The thinner that works best with those craft acrylics is Tamiya X20A. IPA can be used as well but a retarder will be strongly recommended in such case. Do not add thinner into the mixing container because it will initiate the curing process and the paints, already exposed to air, will dry fast, even if the lid is secured. The mixed acrylics can be stored in plastic take-away cups for some two weeks and for months in perfectly sealed containers.

c. Acrylics dry darker than the wet mix. Have a printed photo reference at hand and dab a small amount of paint on a mid-tone area (if you are savvy enough with computers, you can print yourself a reference "paint chip" extracted from a reference photo). Wait to dry for a few seconds, and then compare.

I hope this helps.

Cheers!
Gabriel

Hi, guys!

UPDATE

The first distribution cassette installed. The parts were primed and painted before assembly because otherwise I couldn't have reach all detail. I know it's on the invisible side, but I just could,'t ignore the beautiful Tamiya engineering!





One more cassette it's already painted waiting assembly. The other two are still on the sprues.

More updates soon!
Cheers!
Gabriel

YOU know that the underside is painted to show the details and you can always turn it upside down to look at it occasionally
/ Robin

Thanks, Robin for support. I'm thinking in within the same guide lines. I never miss the chance to practice detail painting and a couple pictures with the undersides will be mandatory on the final presentation and in the YT video. And yes, it is self-satisfactory to know you didn't omitted anything I gladly sacrifice two "modelling days" for the comforting final result.

Cheers!
Gabriel

Hi, guys!

UPDATE:

I have finished painting and installing the complicated undersides:






There are still a few pieces to be installed, like shock absorbers and tie-rods, but the most elaborated part is done.

Cheers!
Gabriel

Hi, guys!

UPDATE
I went on detailing the undersides:




I had one small issue with one of the tie rods that broke but was easy fix.

I sprayed everything with Alclad aqua gloss and applied the decals. I had to cut them out myself from the decal paper because I have the pre-run edition of the kit (the white box). They don't feel like the typical thick and matte Tamiya decals but are more glossy and reasonably thin, very much alike Cartograf decals. I hope they included them in the production series as well:


I sealed the decals only with a second coat of Aqua gloss and then I applied a wash of ivory black on the undersides and, when superficially dry, I have removed most of it with cotton buds:




I did the same on the turret and the upper surface of the vehicle, using this time van Dyck brown oil diluted with turpentine:








I still have a few bits and bobs to paint and the satin coat to apply but the finish of this build is definitely on sight.

Thanks for following!
More updates in the making

Cheers!
Gabriel

Thanks for the great build Gabriel. I have one on order now
Hope to see it soon. How do the tires look? I have the DEF ones on back order, That's why I ask. Also are you going to drill the muzzle brake holes? or just going to use the kit Decal

Cheers

Nice!

A great build review Gabriel and looks like a very nice kit, thank you! Looking forward to seeing the finished product, the way you are going it will be a stunner.

Danny, I think the muzzle is the biggest let down of this kit. I wonder why! Obviously Tamiya has the engineering ability to do it better. The fact you don't see the gun in the pictures (yet) is because I run into trouble with the muzzle. I tried to dill it using the decal as guide, but on the second row I drilled a hole went off and looked awful. I tried to make a perforated sleeve from thin styrene but the piece won't roll properly - it creases and edges along the hole rows. At this moment I patched the holes I drilled with putty and I will make a final attempt to a perforated sleeve from thin aluminum sheet. It doesn't work again (or my skills aren't good enough) I will give up and let it the way Tamiya did it.
The tires in the kit look actually pretty neat - except there is no branding on the walls (copyright issues). They are soft and I guess by adding some weight into the hull (there is plenty of space there) you might achieve the "loaded" effect.
You won't be disappointed you have ordered the kit. The shape of the vehicle is awesome and the kit assembles like a dream.
I know there is an upgrade set (maybe the same one you have ordered) that comes with a PE muzzle sleeve and a pair of wheel chocks. The wheels are good enough for me - but that smoke disperser will be a great asset!
Thanks for your interest!

Gazza, thank you, sir. The well rendered detail of this kit helps a lot both the painting and weathering.

Cheers!
Gabriel

Thank you, Colin!

Indeed, the completed model is a beauty in itself. I've seen few completed already and every time they look stunning. Let's see if mine rises to the same level at the end!

Thank you for the appreciative comment!

Gabriel

your build is cool .thanks for all the updates ,you have done well very nice build .

Roy: Thank you very much, kind Sir! Your feed-back is highly appreciated!

Cheers!
Gabriel

Tamiya just came out with a replacement Barrel
https://hlj.com/1-35-scale-type-16-maneuver-combat-vehicle-105mm-gun-muzzle-brake-for-tamiya-mm35361-pasp35-141

I ordered these two items

https://hlj.com/1-35-scale-type-16-maneuver-combat-vehicle-105mm-gun-muzzle-brake-for-tamiya-mm35361-pasp35-141

https://hlj.com/1-35-scale-jgsdf-type-16-mcvsagged-wheel-set-for-tamiya-defdw35107

Also may be of interest to others

https://hlj.com/1-35-scale-type-16-maneuver-combat-vehicle-photo-etched-set-with-chain-for-tamiya-mm35361-pasp35-142

https://hlj.com/jgsdf-type-16-maneuver-combat-vehicle-photo-collection-mdg23246

https://hlj.com/1-35-scale-modern-camouflage-net-w-net-support-set-1-green-defdm35068

https://hlj.com/1-35-scale-camouflage-net-large-size-220mm-x-300mm-green-pitma3525