Japan Ground Self Defence Force Tyoe73t Truck (Aoshima AO02346)

Category Scale Modelling, Subcategory Ground Equipment, Scale 1 : 72, ISBN/Box AO02346, Publisher/Brand Aoshima

HISTORY

The SKW (6 × 6) 3,500 kg truck was developed by Isuzu from the late 1960s to replace the range of 2,500 kg (6 × 6) trucks then used by the Japanese Self-Defence Forces. After trials and modifications it was standardised in 1973 as the Type 73 large truck series and since then it has been produced in large numbers for the JGSDF.The original SKW440 series was followed by the 1989-introduced SKW464 series, this then followed by the 1999-introduced SKW475 series. Production continues and it is anticipated that the latest SKW475 series will ultimately replace the earlier SKW440 and (more numerous) SKW464 series trucks.

The first model Type 73 was the SKW440, this identifiable by a sloped cab front and square engine air intake. The SKW440 was produced in a wide variety of variants, these including SKW 440M (cargo truck with tarpaulin cover), SKW 440MW (cargo truck with winch), SKW440MV (cargo truck with crane), SKW440MR (light wrecker), SKW440MD (dump truck), SKW440MV (tanker for water, fuel or aviation fuel). The SKW441 is a slightly modified Type 73.The SKW440 series was replaced by the SKW464 series, this introduced in 1989. The SKW464 series is identifiable by a less sloped cab front and wider engine air intake. The SKW464 series was also produced in a wide variety of variants, these including SKW 464M (cargo truck with tarpaulin cover), SKW464MW (cargo truck with winch), SKW464MR (light wrecker), SKW464MD (dump truck), SKW464MV (tanker for water, fuel or aviation fuel).The SKW464 series was replaced by the current SKW475 series, this introduced in 1999. The SKW474 series is identifiable by completely new design cab, albeit similar in overall appearance and dimensions. The SKW 475 series is also produced in a wide variety of variants, these currently known to include SKW 475M (cargo truck with tarpaulin cover), SKW 475MW (cargo truck with winch), SKW475MV (cargo truck with crane), SKW475MD (dump truck), SKW475MV (tanker for water, fuel or aviation fuel).The forward control cab of all models has a windscreen that can be folded forward onto the bonnet and a removable canvas top. A basic protection kit has been developed for the SKW475. This kit appears to be the the SKW 464 version