Hasegawa

1/48 Type 95 Small sedan Kurogane 4WD (Model 3) with Type 97 Motorcycle and Sidecar

Kit Number: 36502

Reviewed by  John Yager, IPMS# 40097

MSRP: $37.99 Review Kit Supplied by Dragon Models USA: Website: www.dragonmodelsusa.com The "Kurogane" is often compared with the similarly sized American Jeep. However, the Kurogane four-wheeled motive was technically a passenger vehicle, featuring front wheel double wishbone independent suspension that was cutting edge technology at the time. The Type 97 motorcycle and sidecar was a joint venture between Harley-Davidson and the Sankyo Company. Both Japanese Army and Navy paint schemes and markings are provided in the kit. The Type 95 Kurogane vehicle consists of approximately 60 parts, many of which are very small but combine to make very detailed model. The instructions show 6 types of Kurogane 4WD drive vehicles. An engine is provided along with a separate chassis, muffler with exhaust pipe and a suspension system. One half of the windshield can be opened to provide an opening for a machine gun position. An option to show the cloth top in either the up or down position is also provided. There are small clear lenses for the headlamps. Two figures are provided to sit in the Kurogane. The completed Kurogane is small even for 1/48 scale and has a wheelbase of approximately 1-5/8".

The Type 97 motorcycle and sidecar consists of approximately 36 parts, many of which are also very small. The motorcycle can be displayed either by itself, resting on a kickstand, or attached to the sidecar. There is accommodation for the sidecar to mount either a machine gun of a loud speaker. A windshield is provided only if mounting the loudspeaker. A small clear lens is supplied to mount to the headlamp housing. One of the painting options for the motorcycle and sidecar is white indicating use by traffic control. Figures are provided for both a motorcycle driver and passenger for the sidecar. The kit also has extra detail parts for an infantry rifle, Type 96 light machine gun, cavalry ammunition pouch, goggle case, holster and Type 98 artillery scope.

Paints called for to finish the model are Aqueous Hobby Color and Mr. Color. Hasegawa has provided the modeler with a very detailed combo kit that would look very good as part of a diorama. Because of the many small detail parts, some sort of optical magnifier is recommended. Outside of the tiny parts, they both build easily A big thank you to Dragon Models USA for providing the kit to the IPMS/USA Reviewer Corps.