SPA Modeler

Well, it’s that time of year again, the So.Cal. AMPS 12 Hour build online Zoom Challenge. This year, my clubmates voted on this kit for my entry, Tamiya’s 1/35 Komatsu Light Armored Vehicle



I will be making this OOB, in the markings of the JGSDF contingent sent to Iraq early in OIF.



During the first session I completed the chassis and most of the interior, plus a bit of airbrushing the underside and interior colors.









and a test fit of the upper hull onto the chassis





not too bad for the first four hour sessions…

A nice little build for a 12 hour GB. Looks like you’ve got a lot done in 4 hours.

Great progress! Very cool little vehicle. What are the two hook like items on either side of the cab? Some type of cable cutters?
Would have come in handy for the Generation Kill Humvee guy that got clotheslined.

Thanks guys!

Tom, I was surpised at how quickly and smoothly this has built up so far.

John, yes, those bars on the corners of the top deck are wire cutters to protect the gunner.

That's really cool.

Humbrol #90 on the interior?

That's really cool Carlos - it looks like a great little build.

What's the JGSDF doing in Iraq? I didn't realise they deployed overseas?

Mike & Stuart, thank you for looking in and your comments.

Stuart, the interior color is Tamiya Sky XF-14. Using their JGSDF OD on the exterior. The Japanese went to Iraq as “humanitarian assistance” with the reconstruction efforts. I believe that this was their first and so far only post WWII deployments since 1945.

Looks really good Carlos!

- Kari

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Mon Apr 07, 2025 12:02 pm Mike & Stuart, thank you for looking in and your comments.

Stuart, the interior color is Tamiya Sky XF-14. Using their JGSDF OD on the exterior. The Japanese went to Iraq as “humanitarian assistance” with the reconstruction efforts. I believe that this was their first and so far only post WWII deployments since 1945.

Interesting, I didn't know that, thanks Carlos!

Today was session #2 of the 12 Hour Challenge, hours 5 thru 8.... I was able to meet all planned goals, and get approx 90% of construction and painting completed...










the next session will be decals, flat coat, final construction, painting and weathering...