Anybody have info on what the "extra " parts are on this sheet are. I figure the round ones are instrument gauges. the one with numbers a serial numbe/ registration plate? No mention of them on the instructions. (Military ones did not have headlights. The kits have them, but are “do not use”. Is the plate for doing a civilian/ post war one?)
The Imperial Japanese Navy G-40 did have headlights - well at least some did from photo evidence. That is what the anchor represents. Some had the anchor moulded on the side frames, others had one as a badge on the centre of the radiator. I have not seen any numbers on IJN locos.
Paul
Yes. I know the Anchor & Chrysanthemum is the IJN emblem. My main interest is what is the number plate. As for “locos” there was no reference about trains. I’d like to see the photos of the headlights. I’ve only found a hand full of photos. Most are the one (only survivor) at the Komatsu Museum at their corporate HQ. One was an unknown time frame , with no IJN emblem. Other was a gutted one in the jungle. None have lights.
Sorry I was not clear. The Komatsu are described as being located on Japanese built airfields invariably where the small locos are also used. I was trying to show parallel with no numbers like in the kit. Your right photos are very rare. This is one showing headlights. The tractor was found near Japanese constructed airfield Kiska, Alaska.
Interesting. Not a G-40 though . Arms/ blade are totally different. WHat I’ve found they did not start deliveries till late 43. Kiska was “liberated” in August. I read somewhere they started shipping some G-40s there but they did not make it and returned to Japan.
Interesting. Not a G-40 though . Arms/ blade are totally different. WHat I’ve found they did not start deliveries till late 43. Kiska was “liberated” in August. I read somewhere they started shipping some G-40s there but they did not make it This is the G-40 at the Komatsu Museum. The only survivor.
and returned to Japan.
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It is my understanding the model designation G40 refers to the size of the tractor (4 ton) not the blade which I agree is not the same blade or operating mechanism featured on the Tamiya model. Komatsu is reported to have copied numerous US tractors from the early 1930’s. Even without a blade, as a towing tractor it was still referred to as a G40.
As an aside I have severely kitbashed two of the Tamiya kits back into a US International TD9 tractor which has longer tracks and suspension and added a crane to replicate a US M5 crane as used by the RNZAF on their South West Pacific island airstrips during WW2.
Just found this. SWAG is maybe there was more than1 model. Story on the one at the Komatsu museum is it was shipped to the Philippines surrendered to the Americans . They dumped it in the ocean. Some Aussies found it and in 79 Komatsu got it and restored it. Maybe the Kiska one was an early model and the Museum one was a later production one with improved hydraulics and blade. 1/72 Multiverse: Komatsu G40 & PC30E (72-multiverse.blogspot.com)
What I read the G-40 was a pre war agriculture tractor. When they got tapped by IJN to make a “dozer” they just used the G-40 because it was “there”. Just added the blade. Got mine finished.
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That looks really good especially the weathering. I assume this was the tractor before a blade was added. ケンキミュージアム | はたらくくるま・けんせつきかいの「ケンケンキッキ」 | コマツ トラクターG40（1934年ごろ）
After searching for ‘Komatsu G40’ in Japanese there are photos showing at least three different blade designs.