Friday, April 1

Takom’s three new comrades get the simplified and “limited market” treatment

Just when you thought everyone had picked a bad day to release their news about new products Takom sends us info on these three new (fully legit - they ARE happening folks) kits, two of which will be available in the Chinese Market only. See what’s new in our preview…


Takom’s Three new kits for May 2016

Takom has announced that in early May 2016 for a Chinese release only (yeah right EBAY) - that they will release the Type 69-I  and Type 59 Chinese tanks.

These two boxings in 1/35th scale are both exclusive Chinese market releases will be cheaper and simpler kits, with rubber tracks and fewer parts than the kits being released globally.

Type 69-I is not the same kit as the Type 69-II. The former will only be available in the Chinese market (along with the Type 59), but the Type 69-II will be in worldwide distribution. 

Takom are looking to further simplify production and then at our end the construction of kits – hopefully their ease of construction goes hand in hand with their usual quality – let’s have a look at the box art for these two and the Soviet SPAAG AA gun also.

Chinese Type 69-I medium tank
1/35th scale
Kit No #2071 
The kit Features:
1. Photo Etch and transparent pieces
2. Monolithic free shear bricolage (Vinyl) tracks.
3. Two marking choices
4. External fuel tank lines.
5. Contains Steel Towing Cable


Chinese model 59
1/35th scale
Kit No #2081
The kit Features:
1. Photo Etch and transparent pieces
2. Monolithic free shear bricolage (Vinyl) tracks.
3. Two marking choices
4. External fuel tank lines.
5. Contains Steel Towing Cable


ZSU-37-72 Soviet SPAAG
1/35th scale
Kit No# 2083
For those unfamiliar with the ZSU-57-2 SPAAG…
The ZSU-57-2 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was developed since late 40s. It entered service with the Soviet Army and production commenced in 1956. It was later replaced by a much more effective ZSU-23-4 Shilka. Despite its age the ZSU-57-2 is still in service with a number of countries.
   This SPAAG is fitted with two 57-mm S-68 guns, similar to the S-60 single towed anti-aircraft gun. These guns are air-cooled, so after firing of 50 - 60 rounds in intensive mode guns have to cool down. These guns are fed from magazines. Each magazine holds four rounds. The ZSU-57-2 fires fragmentation-tracers against air targets and armor-piercing tracers against ground targets. Direct hit of a single 57-mm round caused destruction of a fighter or attack aircraft.
The ZSU-57-2 has no radar and uses open sights instead. It also cannot be used successfully at night. Optical sights are used to engage ground targets. This SPAAG has a very thin steel Armor (maximum thickness 15 mm). The vehicle has a crew of six, including commander, gunner, assisting gunner, two loaders and driver. The ZSU-57-2 SPAAG chassis uses many automotive components of the T-54 medium tank.
The kit is a little more detailed than its "Chinese market exclusive" kits – it will Feature:
Photo Etch and transparent pieces
Individual Tracks
ELEVEN marking choices
External fuel tank lines.
Contains Steel Towing Cable
Road wheels can be built in a damaged condition.
Detailed interior with posable guns

From 21st to 23rd Takom will be visiting the 2016 China International Model exhibition with these kits on show. Please do pop in to see them and maybe bag your own kit