SPECIAL THANKS. I would like to thank Paul Watson for his sponsorship of several lead figure collections on this blog. Having decided to clear his spare/surplus figures, he generously forwarded them on with no other requirement than they deserved to be restored. I would also like to mention George S. Mills, who kindly furnished a quantity of plastic figures which allowed me to complete another five or six military units, serving in several collections.

Tuesday 26 April 2022

JAPANESE ARMOURED VEHICLES

Just finished varnishing two armoured vehicles for my Japanese army 1930-45. The first is my plasticard rendition of an actual Japanese tin-plate toy made in the 1930s. I so liked the toy, I had to have it represented in my collection. No way could I afford to get an original, they sell for about £300 when they do crop up. I have seen originals in a grey-blue, and also pale green, I chose the former as more appropriate with my naval landing party. OK, I did reject the brass, double-barrelled turret. Have also painted some anchors for added interest. (Charity shop toy furnished the wheels for £1.)

The second vehicle is a genuine Japanese-made tin and plastic toy tank, with a working wind-up mechanism. Made during the 1970s, it does look fairly realistic. I'm happy to consider it a suitable recreation of Japanese Type 95 HaGo very-light tank. After all, it is a toy soldier collection, and I have a growing attraction for old tin-plate toys. (Had to create a gun barrel, and found something suitable for a turret lid.)

MGB

8 comments:

  1. Great toys MGB - the first one is particularly good!

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    1. Thanks MJT, I enjoyed putting together the armoured car, and it looks right with the naval landing party. So lucky to pick up those wheels!

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  2. That armored car is beautiful! You're plasticard magic is second-to-none. Cheers!

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    1. Cheers John, its really a bit of fun, but the Japanese did have some armoured cars that aren't so far removed from my 'toy' model.
      Michael

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    1. Thanks Tony, it was a bit odd having my Chinese 1930s army with an armoured car, and nothing for my Japanese!

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  4. Another triumph Michael, the Japanese armoured car is excellent and really looks great leading troops into battle! I have never seen the original on which it's based, that is a beautiful tin vehicle! Is that a small light bulb on the end of the gun? The tank is a great blend of plastic and tin, I like it very much! Very, very well done as usual Michael!!

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    1. Thanks for the support, Brad. Yes, I was thinking it had three front lights? It also had four light machine guns at the back, but none in the front. Decided to redistribute my three LMGs, one of which went to the seat next to the driver (Japanese drive on the same side as most of the British Empire, only Canada changed to the USA.) Well, can't rival your tin-plate collection, but it is nice to have something in my collection, those Jap-made light tanks are always missing their plastic gun barrel. Did well, picked it up for £5.99 delivered!
      Michael

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