For some time I have had the idea to build myself a Type 74 from the Japan Special Region. I was lucky to spot a Tamiya Type 74 for a couple bucks at my LHS from someone’s old stash. So I thought now would be a good time to try it out. So here it is:
Got the suspension arms on and put down some plasticard to cover those old openings for the motorization.
Whells n sprockets all done. The wheels had quite a big seam down the middle.
Got the turret halves glued, plasticard in the sight openings, removed the molded on handles and added my own. And that’s my start on this llittle project…..
But wait what’s the Japan Special Region you may ask? Well it all starts with the incident in Ginza, a district of Tokyo well known for shopping/entertainment, where a mysterious gate appeared. On midday on a weekend, out of said gate an army of 60,000 emerged….. Some time after the invader had been pushed backed and public opinion strongly advocated for something to be done, the government passed new legislation and made a major decision. The other side of the gate would be considered Territory of Japan (Special Region), and most importnantly the JGSDF would venture into the otherside of the gate. Their mission, to search for and hold accountable the responsible party for the Ginza incident and obtain compensation by force. Also, they are to map/explore and study this new world…..
The Gate, as appeared in Ginza.
Soldiers of The Empire emerge from the gate alongside various non-human warriors.
JGSDF AH-64’s down a dragon and it’s rider over Ginza
7 Likes
I’m watching that Anime. I was also thinking about doing a kit.
1 Like
Cool. A build would be nice. The Tamiya kit a a good simple choice, but the newer Hobby Japan kit (building one too) is real nice, the tracks look like they’d take a long time though. I’ve watched it a few times and read the manga too, which is where I saw a modified version that looks like this:
This is more or less what I’m going for. There are a few variations.
After a bit of work
Replaced the exhaust tips with ones from the winter version Tamiya kit, Took a bit of time to remove the molded on handles on the engine deck
new handles on
On the rear I also replaced molded on handles, including the one on the box. Replaced the top part of the jerry can with one from a spare from a Tamiya M4a3e8 kit, the original one was pretty thick. Added some supports for the plasticard sheet, gotta close up that sponson gap.
Mantle and gun on, sanded and sprayed with Mr.surfacer to fill in small gaps. Would have liked to used a barrel with thermal sleeve, but I saw plain ones like this in the manga, so I’m going with this.
Pair of Type 74’s preparing to cross the armored enclosure into the gate.
Type 74’s on maneuvers in the special region, Alnus hill.
5 Likes
A bit more progress, finished up on the upper hull and glued the two halves together. New grab handles all around, some wiring behind the headlights
Added more things to the turret and some filling in
Fire Dragon in sight
A pair of F4 phantoms engage a Fire Dragon
5 Likes
Interesting project. I hope Tamiya will re-release this kit and/or the winter version kit.
1 Like
