IJN Komatsu G40 Bulldozer, 1:48 Tamiya Options

[Mike]

IJN Komatsu G40 Bulldozer
1:48 Tamiya

Unbelievably, until the Japanese forces started over-running US airfields in the Pacific, all their own airfields were constructed by manual labour alone. It was the capture of American equipment that precipitated the building of this Japan's first Bulldozer in 1943 from an already available tractor by the addition of a hydraulically operate dozer blade. It served throughout the war with the IJN engineering units tasked with construction on the northern and southern fronts.

This kit is a welcome addition to the growing collection of 1:48 deck and ground handling equipment available from Tamiya and others, that modellers can use to construct their own dioramas and vignettes.

Packaged in a small top opening black box, as per Tamiya's other 1:48 vehicles (AFVs, soft skins and other types), the kit contains two sprues of Tamiya's usual grey styrene, with parts to build one tractor and its driver. Also included is a tiny sheet of decals containing only two white stencil decals for the sides of the machine. In addition, there is an even smaller sheet of sticky backed vinyl(?)with a chrome silver finish, from which you are expected to use just one as the badge on the radiator.

As usual with Tamiya's recent releases, the kit is well moulded, sharply detailed and the instructions clearly laid out. My only qualm about the instructions is that they fold out to almost 2 feet long, so it can be rather a faff to move your focus from one section to another.

The tracks are moulded integrally to the drive sprocket and road wheels, but are nicely moulded, and with careful painting should look the part. As only the outer edges of the insides of the track links are seen, the rear parts are moulded without detail, so an application of dark grey or black before assembly should ensure they aren't seen after the build is complete.

The hydraulic hoses are shown as ribbed on the main painting, and on the additional artwork on the sides of the box, but in the kit they are smooth, so references should be sought to see whether this is indeed the case. From the little detail sheet that accompanies the model however, they do seem to be smooth, but of a smaller diameter than those provided in the kit. If you're feeling adventurous, you might want to replace these with malleable wire for a more realistic look.

The crew figure is typically realistic, even down to his shorts and footwear. He is made from 5 parts, including a separately moulded cap, so that peak detail is sharp.

Conclusion
A neat kit that will build up quickly and easily, and will look great in the background of your IJN diorama.

Review sample courtesy of