Introduction

Fine Molds provides another version in the long line of Jeep vehicles used by militaries around the world. This example is the Mitsubishi Type 73 used by the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF). The type 73 is a derivative of the Willys CJ3B jeep of the 1950s and was used by the JGSDF until the mid '70s.

History

The Jeep was introduced to the Japanese market as the Jeep J3 in July 1953 after Willys granted Mitsubishi a license to build them in Japan. The Type 73 as found in this kit was based on the J20 model which began production in 1960, a lengthened six-seat version. Mitsubishi also added small diagonal skirts to the leading edge of the J20's front fenders. This style was to remain the last change to the sheet metal up front until the end of Mitsubishi Jeep production in 1998 and was the basis for the Type 73 military version. Mitsubishi was to continue production of vehicles derived from the CJ-3B design until August 1998, when tighter emissions and safety standards finally made the Jeep obsolete. In total, approximately 200,000 units were built.

The first production of the military Type 73, known as the Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Truck (Kyū) was based on the Jeep CJ-3Bs that Mitsubishi Motors had been producing under license from Willys. The first Type 73 Kyūs began production in 1973 with the chassis of the CJ-3B-J4C (J-20). Production continued until 1997 after the Type 73 Light Truck Shins (CJ-5A-J54A) were fielded in 1996.
Compiled from Wikipedia and The Complete Jeep webpage.

review

The Base Kit:
Fine Molds continues to produce very-well crafted kits of mostly Japanese subjects. Their latest line is the Type 73 Light Truck. The kit comes packaged in a sturdy box with a drawing on the front and pictures of the built model on the sides. The box contains two main sprues with the suspension and detail parts, a small sprue with the .50 cal MG and its mount, a clear sprue with windshield and headlight lenses, a small decal sheet, the body tub and a separate hood. The instruction sheet is divided into 22 steps and includes a small addendum for step 19 showing that the wheel backs need to be drilled out to fit the axles. There are markings for four vehicles of the JGSDF; three in OD Green and one in OD and Dark Green camo.

The parts are crisply molded with no flash and parts breakdown is very logical. The assembly and parts breakdown are similar to other jeep kits such as the Tamiya Willys MB or the Skybow/AFV Club M38A1 kits.
The kit is very detailed with such things as separate clutch, brake, and gas pedals. The interior and exterior of the body tub has fine details and there are decals for the gauges and data plates. There are options for a folded windshield with folded hinges and a radio or another troop seat in the back. As mentioned above, there is also a separate hood for the engine compartment; however, no engine is included. An engine could easily be added using the engine, radiator and engine compartment parts from the Skybow or AFV Club M38A1 since they both used the Willys Hurricane 4-cylinder engine. There is an engine bottom blank to show under the frame.

The suspension is very detailed as well with separate springs, axles, shocks, and steering components. The front wheels are not able to be posed in a turned position though. The wheels are cast with the proper uni-directional tread pattern and nice sidewall detail with fine lettering for the maker and inflation data information. The frame is a one-piece affair with crisp details and the rear bumperettes attached to it. The underside of the body tub is detailed with stiffening ribs under the front fenders, but no other underside details.
The .50 cal and its mount are also nicely detailed and made up of multiple parts to allow for greater details. The gun comes with a positionable feed cover and separate parts for the hand grips and charging handle. The ammo can is also made up of multiple parts such as the hold down bar and a separate ammo can holder.

MG 73 PE set:
Throughout the instruction sheet, there are small hexagons with "Detail Up Option" on it. These denote areas where Fine Molds separately sold PE set includes parts that can be used to add more detail at each stage of assembly. The small PE set includes one small brass fret and a sheet of instructions. The fret includes some nice parts to add a bit of extra details to the model such as a front bumper, headlight guards, seat belts, ammo can holder, diamond tread plates, antenna mount, and a few other small pieces. This small set has some nice details, but may not be worthwhile to buy as it doesn't have that much on it. Most modern kits would have included it.