GHQ Models Forums

Hi all,

I need input from the collective brain power and expertise on the forum here. While I'm finally going to wrap up my modern Soviet forces in the coming year, I'm planning on expanding into the JGSDF. The new sculpts GHQ has prompted this new direction. I would like to cover JGSDF equipment from 1945-present. I've already modified some minis for my Type 90 MBTs and found other models to modify for other units. My problem comes from finding adequate stand ins I can modify for the Type 60 and Type 73 APCs. These guys:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_60_A ... el_Carrier

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_73_A ... el_Carrier

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm also considering using Israeli infantry for modern era troops as they seem to have the closest look. Unless anyone has a better suggestion.
Thanks,
Steve

the only possibilities i can see is an M113 or M114 poss a FV432 but they would require extensive modifications.

I agree with whoa, I think you could use the M113 and FV432 for these.

Chiming in for the M113 for Type 73APC. Also, the Modern Russian MTLB could work. The Type 73 is not as tall as the M113. The MTLB has too many road wheels, but if you have experience with modifying at this scale (my eyes and patience aren't that good, so my hat's off to ya), it might do the trick. Another vehicle you might take a look at is the brand X M548 (I would save my GHQ ones for their actual, unmodified function.

M114 is too small. It's really a 3 or 4 man vehicle.

There is a Brit company that makes s 1/300 M75 APC, which could be cut down for the Type60. And their M59 might do for the Type75. Or you might modify the M24 Chaffee chassis. That might be closer. Some of the first equipment was M24 and related arty. It should work for Type60. If GHQ decided to make M75 and M59, I would recommend those instead. And I would be VERY happy, although the Gator State military acquisition budget, already suffering from automatic sequestration, would be squeezed to the spousal credibility popping point.

Thanks all for the replies. Spousal situation is why the budget is for next years' acquisitions. I'll look at all the options you've mentioned and figure out which one will be the best fit and/or less work. Not too worried about the road wheel count. I've heavily modded the Leopard II to make my Type 90s. They have an extra road wheel too but I'm not good enough to sculpt all new wheels. I love the new GHQ sculpts but it may be a while before some of the other units appear.

Steve

Have you considered going the 3D printing route?

There is a 1/700 scale model on Shapeways. Scaled up it would be kinda "plain" but it moght be a decent option.

I'm rather leery of shapeways as I've not been impressed by the grainy texture of the surface. I keep looking though. I love the idea of the m-24 Chaffee. I hadn't considered it previously but should have since, as was pointed out (and I should have remembered from research), the Japanese fielded them briefly. Building it up would be a breeze. The Type 73 is tougher as all the options have track guards and would take a lot more work to finish.

Steve

Hi Steve:

Yeah you have to be careful on Shapeways. You have to understand the various materials. But I would think smoothing out a surface a lot less work than hacking a metal mini apart - but then, I'm not much of a kit basher anyway!

Both the Type 60 and Type 73 are made in 1/300 by a well known Scottish company. Won't be as nice as GHQ, but at least you can get them.

Yeah the quality definitely isn't in GHQs league. Inspired by the M024 comment above, I'm now leaning towards a T-34 build up for a Type 73. At least the road wheels will look good.

Steve

Does anyone know of a rules set that includes JGSDF units? I've checked a couple and found nothing yet.
Thanks,
Steve

If you are thinking about Shapeways, there are big differences in Quality, for small models in 6mm / 1/285 never use WSF, it is too grainy, but FUD is real good. Also have a careful look on the Pictures, you can easiely see, who made detailed models.

Have a look:



Foreground HEMTT A4 from SW, Background GHQ, Quality is the same.