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Chinese Type 83 SPG. 1:35


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Chinese Type 83 SPG

Trumpeter 1:35

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History
The Chinese Type 83 Self Propelled Gun was designed around the requirements the PLA issued in the late 70’s for a modern Self-Propelled Artillery Gun. Its design wasn’t one started from scratch, but the amalgamation of existing systems used by the PLA. The main gun was a further development by 127 Factory in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province of the Type 66 152mm Towed Gun-Howitzer. The factory also developed the semi-automatic loading system. The tracked chassis was a further development by 674 Factory in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, of the Type 321. The factory also served as the principal contractor. The first prototype was completed in 1980 and a modified second prototype was built in July 1981, with field trials ending in 1982 and entered production in 1983.

Elevation of the main gun is +62 to 0 degrees and can fire a number of munitions including high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG), cluster projectiles with fragmentation sub-munitions and base gas bleed, and indigenous laser-guided 152mm projectile (Russian Krasnopol laser-guided projectile technology was purchased by China in the 90’s). 30 rounds can be stored in the turret with a 5 rounds per min rate of fire.

For close encounters, the vehicle is equipped with a roof mounted 12.7mm (50cal.) MG for AA and a Type 69 RPG is carried in the turret.
The vehicle uses a WR4B-12V150LB four-stroke liquid-cooled diesel engine, generating 520hp giving a maximum road speed of 55km/h and an operational range of 450km. It’s currently in service with the PLA and each artillery regiment has a Type 83 battalion, which operates 18 vehicles.

The Model
The kit comes in the standard Trumpeter style box, although, unlike the Indian T-90S reviewed HERE the box for the Type 83 is only about half as deep. The boxart depicts a Type 83 travelling in convoy across some pretty barren grassland. Inside there are nine sprues of light grey styrene, which is also used for the separate upper and lower hulls. There is also a clear acetate sheet, a small sheet of etched brass, sixteen poly caps and a small decal sheet. Trumpeter seem to have their armoured vehicle kits pretty much weighed off as the mouldings are usually very clean, with no flash or other imperfections, although they do tend to have quite a few moulding pips on the smaller parts which can be annoying, even if they are necessary.

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Construction begins with the drilling of eight holes in the front face of the lower hull, followed by the fitting of the rear bulkhead and, rather unusually the drivers seat, which is made up of the squab, backrest and two levers. The bump stops and shock absorbers for the front and rear suspension units are attached to the sides, followed by the torsion units. Each of the return rollers are made up of two parts, whilst the road wheels are made up from inner and outer wheels with a poly cap sandwiched in-between. The sprocket wheels are each made up form three parts, the inner and outer toothed wheels and a middle plain wheel. With all the wheels assembled they can be pushed onto their respective axles. The tracks provided are of the rubber band style, the ends of which are fixed together either by melting the pins or glued. They are pretty well moulded and since the real vehicle appears to have quite tight tracks, these will work pretty well, without the hassle of building them out of individual links.

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Next up are several sub assemblies, most concentrating on the various storage boxes for the upper hull in six different styles. The radiator grille actually has a radiator included in this kit, made up from four parts, which is then fitted to the underside of the radiator decking and covered with a PE grille cover. Before any of the storage boxes and other items can be fitted to the upper hull there are thirty eight holes to open up. The storage boxes are then attached, followed by the track guard supports, drivers vision ports, large access hatch, drivers hatch, three piece gun cradle and turret ring extensions. The radiator sub-assembly is then fitted to the front deck, along with the two piece lights, reflectors, and two piece snorkel. Two PE intake grilles are fitted to their respective positions, as are the two front towing hooks, idler gear cover, spare track links, whilst at the rear two more tow hooks are attached, rear lights, reflectors, and the rear door.

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The main howitzer is made up from multiple parts, with the two piece breech, two piece trunnion, and two piece barrel. The trunnion is attached to the breech, which is then attached to the mantle, followed by an attachment ring to which the barrel is fitted. Each of the two recuperators also come in two parts and fitted to the underside of the barrel. The shell carriage is then assembled from six parts, then attached to the top of the breech. The three piece recoil tube is attached to the rear of the trunnion and the two trunnion mounts. The elevation wheel and its gearbox made up from three parts and fitted to the left hand trunnion mount. A nice feature is this kit actually has some interior, not much, but certainly something that could be used as a basis for something more complete. The turret floor is fitted out with three seats and their supports along with the training motor and gearbox. Inside the turret there are three radio sets, a mid mounted bulkhead with the shell storage holes, storage box, gunners vision block, and six clear acetate parts for the commanders cupola vision blocks. The howitzer sub-assembly is then attached to the turret, followed by the turret floor. The turret then has seven grab handles fitted around the top, along with the side access hatch, commanders hatch and machine gun mount, plus the ventilation mushroom, pioneer tools, large storage box, aerial base and rear hatch. The KPV heavy machine gun consists of the single piece gun, three part firing mechanism, three piece elevation mounting, cocking handle, and three piece ammunition case. The completed machine gun mounting is the attached to the front of the commanders cupola, after which the completed turret can be fitted to the completed hull along with the towing cable, completing the build. The small decal sheet contains markings for various vehicles but with only one colour scheme

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Conclusion
Trumpeter seems to be quite good at releasing Chinese vehicles and have a fair number in their catalogue. This is a very nice kit and although it is reminiscent of other self propelled guns it is different enough to be of interest and would make a great companion piece with others of its ilk. Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of
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