Type 16 Maneuver Combat Vehicle

Tamiya 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Luke Pitt

Summary

B a c k g r o u n d

Under the Japanese constitution, the total “tank park” must not exceed 600 vehicles. With the perceived threat having now shifted together with the expense of the newer type 10 MBT, the need for a cheap “airmobile” AFV became apparent.

A number of perceived problems have been reported notably the aircraft needed to transport the vehicle (the Kawasaki C-2 transport would struggle), IED protection, cross country performance and a number of other issues, it is undoubtedly however a handsome looking vehicle and a pleasing modelling subject.

F i r s t L o o k

This new 1:48 scale kit from Tamiya follows on from their quite superb 1:35 scale example and comprises 100 highly detailed parts over five medium green sprues. Eight vinyl tyres are included together with a small decal sheet offering two marking choices.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

The instructions are the usual Tamiya affair being almost impossible to fault in both the 18 construction sequences and assembly locations.  

The parts breakdown is a little different and simpflied compared to its 1:35 scale brother but this, has not impacted in any way the detail or the clarity of the parts presented.  Take for example the vinyl tyres. I am not usually a fan of this medium (as the mould line is almost impossible to remove) but, on these they are completely absent, which in turn makes aftermarket replacements unnecessary.

The figure is another example. Not only is the pose well thought out the detail on the figure itself renders replacement unnecessary.

Markings for two vehicles are included.

Decals are in register and colours look good.

C o n c l u s i o n

In summary then, this kit does not disappoint both in subject matter and detail present. Tamiya just seem to have a knack of getting everything right. This kit is another example of that.

Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample

Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited for the sample.