Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier - Japan 1/72 Scale Model by DeAgostini
$ 32.99
1:72 Scale – Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier - Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) Length: 3.25", Width: 1.75”
This Type 73 APC model is made of plastic. The tracks are made of rubber and are fitted, however they do not move. The coloring and markings are accurate and realistic.
The maker of the model, DeAgostini, really did a good job with the model, the panel lines and details are very clear and crisp. These models have different details engraved such as doors, hatches, panels, lights, ports, antennas, machine guns, ropes, shovels, etc; all of these done with high accuracy and proportion. When they are painted in different color, say for example, shovels and ropes, they are indeed painted accurately. The weathering effect that these tanks have, such as smoke and oil staining makes them look very realistic. Depending on the particular type of tank, some will have machine guns and antennas that look very accurate
These models are Japanese import, so the branding and lettering on the packaging are in Japanese. These models come enclose two plastic transparent shells and these shells go inside a window box. The box measures 8" by 5.5" by 3"
These models are not toys, they will not last long if played with. The tracks don't move and the turrets and their main guns and machine guns can be quite fragile because of their size. Some of the tanks will have a turret that does not rotate at all. (so if you try to rotate the turret or change the elevation of the gun and feel some resistant, better leave it alone and don't risk breaking something).
The Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier (73式装甲車 nana-san-shiki-soukou-sya?) is an armored personnel carrier that entered service with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in 1973.
The Type 73 is almost unique in that it uses a mid-engined V4 layout, as the driver and bow machine gunner are in the front of the vehicle. The commander sits slightly behind the bow gunner while the gunner sits behind the driver. The engine is mounted on the left side behind the bow gunner with both its air intake and exhaust on the top of the vehicle. The engine and transmission are designed to be easily removed as one complete unit. The gunner's cupola can traverse a full 360°, but the bow gunner's weapon can only traverse, elevate and depress 30°. It is fitted with six smoke dischargers, three on each side. Its infantry can fire their personal weapons from inside the vehicle. The Type 73 requires additional equipment to become amphibious and is propelled through the water by its tracks at a maximum speed of 7 kilometres per hour (4.3 mph). It is fitted with infra-red driving lights and an NBC system.
