Type 62 PLA Light Tank Build Trumpeter 2015 Tooling Comparison With T-54 55 59 69

Hey guys, I recently wrapped up a really cool project – the Type 62 PLA light tank from Trumpeter’s 2015 tooling. This build was a blast, and I wanted to share my experience and some comparison photos with the T-54/55/59/69 series. This should give you a good idea of the Type 62's size and design differences compared to its more robust cousins. Let's dive in!

Unboxing and First Impressions

So, the kit itself is the Trumpeter Type 62, which came out in 2015. This is important because model kits can vary quite a bit between different releases, even from the same manufacturer. The 2015 tooling is known for its improved details and accuracy, something that really excited me. When I opened the box, I was greeted with a plethora of sprues, all neatly organized and molded in a light grey plastic. The parts count is pretty decent, reflecting the complexity of the vehicle, but it's not overwhelming. The plastic quality is excellent – firm enough to hold detail but not too brittle that it'll shatter when you try to cut it. The instruction booklet is comprehensive, with clear diagrams and a logical build sequence. One thing I always appreciate is when manufacturers include a color guide with paint callouts for various brands; Trumpeter did not disappoint here. The decals looked crisp and well-printed, with options for several different vehicles. Overall, my first impression was very positive. This kit looked like it had the potential to build into a fantastic replica of the Type 62. The level of detail on the parts was immediately apparent, especially on the turret and hull, which feature some intricate casting textures. The wheels and tracks also looked well-molded, which is crucial because the running gear can make or break a tank model. The inclusion of photo-etched parts for smaller details, like the mesh screens and tie-down straps, was another welcome addition, adding an extra layer of realism. The initial inspection revealed no major flaws or sink marks, which is always a good sign. I could tell right away that this was a well-engineered kit, and I was eager to get started. The instructions seemed straightforward, but I always take my time to study them carefully before touching any glue. I like to plan out the build in my head and identify any potential problem areas or sequences that might require extra attention. With a kit like this, the key is to break it down into manageable subassemblies and tackle each one methodically. Rushing things is a recipe for mistakes, so patience is definitely a virtue in scale modeling. The Type 62, as a subject, is just inherently interesting. It’s a light tank designed for specific operational environments, and its unique characteristics reflect those design requirements. Building a model of it offers a chance to really appreciate the engineering trade-offs involved in creating a vehicle that’s both powerful and agile. Knowing the history and context behind the tank adds another layer of enjoyment to the build process. It's not just about assembling plastic parts; it's about bringing a piece of history to life.

The Build Process: A Step-by-Step Journey

Alright, let's talk about the build itself. I always start with the lower hull and running gear. This is a crucial step because any misalignment or errors here can throw off the entire build. The Trumpeter kit has a well-designed lower hull, with separate panels that fit together snugly. I used Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, which is my go-to adhesive for plastic models, as it provides a strong bond and allows for some adjustment time. The suspension arms are individually molded, which means you have to be careful to align them correctly. I used a small jig to ensure they were all at the same angle, which will help the wheels sit evenly later on. The wheels themselves are multi-part assemblies, which offer excellent detail but also require some patience to assemble. I made sure to clean up any mold lines or imperfections before gluing them together. The tracks are the link-and-length type, which is a good compromise between individual links and vinyl tracks. They offer better detail than vinyl tracks but are less tedious to assemble than individual links. I assembled them in sections, following the instructions carefully, and then glued them to the wheels. Once the lower hull and running gear were complete, I moved on to the upper hull. This is where the Type 62 really starts to take shape. The upper hull has some nice surface detail, including weld lines and access panels. I added some extra texture to the cast areas using a stippling brush and some Mr. Surfacer primer. This gives the model a more realistic cast-metal look. The fenders are separate parts, which allows for some flexibility in posing the model. I decided to leave them off until later in the build, as they can get in the way when handling the model. The turret was the most complex part of the build. It has a lot of intricate details, including the main gun, the machine gun, and the various sights and sensors. The gun barrel is molded in two halves, so I had to carefully sand and fill the seam. I replaced the plastic machine gun barrel with a metal one from Master Model, which adds a nice touch of realism. The turret also has some photo-etched parts, which I carefully bent and glued into place. These parts are delicate, but they add a lot of detail to the model. Overall, the build process was enjoyable and challenging. The kit is well-engineered, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. I encountered a few minor fit issues, but nothing that couldn't be easily resolved with some sanding and filler. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the parts count was manageable. The result is a nicely detailed Type 62 that captures the look and feel of the real thing. Building a model tank, like the Type 62, isn’t just about the technical aspects of assembly. It's also about understanding the history and the context of the vehicle. The Type 62 was designed for a specific purpose, and knowing that purpose adds another layer of appreciation to the build. It's about bringing a piece of military history to life, in miniature form.

Painting and Weathering: Bringing it to Life

Okay, guys, this is where the magic happens – the painting and weathering stage! This is my favorite part of any model build because it’s where you really bring the subject to life. For the Type 62, I decided to go with a fairly standard Chinese PLA green. I used a mix of Tamiya acrylics to get the shade I wanted, and I applied it with my airbrush in thin, even coats. The key to a good paint job is preparation. Before I even touched the paint, I made sure the model was thoroughly cleaned and primed. Primer is essential because it provides a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to, and it also helps to reveal any imperfections that need to be addressed. I used Tamiya Fine Surface Primer in grey, which is my go-to primer for most projects. Once the primer was dry, I pre-shaded the model with black. This involves spraying black paint along panel lines, around details, and in areas where shadows would naturally fall. Pre-shading creates a subtle variation in the base coat, adding depth and realism to the finished model. After the pre-shading, I applied the base coat of green. I built up the color gradually, using multiple thin coats. This allows for better control over the final color and prevents the paint from pooling or running. Once the base coat was dry, I applied a gloss coat in preparation for decals. Decals need a smooth surface to adhere to properly, and a gloss coat provides that. I used Future floor polish, which is a popular choice among modelers because it’s inexpensive and dries to a very smooth, glossy finish. After the gloss coat was dry, I applied the decals. The decals in the Trumpeter kit were thin and well-printed, but they still required some care to apply. I used Micro Set and Micro Sol solutions, which help the decals conform to the surface detail. Once the decals were dry, I applied another gloss coat to seal them in. With the painting and decals done, it was time to move on to weathering. This is where you add the wear and tear that a real tank would experience in the field. I started with a pin wash, which involves applying a dark wash to panel lines, rivets, and other recessed details. This brings out the details and adds depth to the model. I used a pre-made enamel wash from AK Interactive, which is specifically designed for this purpose. After the pin wash, I applied some dry brushing. Dry brushing involves lightly brushing a lighter shade of paint over raised details. This highlights the edges and adds a sense of wear and tear. I used a light grey color for the dry brushing, focusing on areas that would see a lot of wear, such as edges, corners, and hatches. Next, I added some chipping. Chipping is the process of adding small scratches and paint chips to the model. This can be done with a fine brush, a sponge, or a chipping fluid. I used a combination of these techniques, focusing on areas that would be prone to chipping, such as around hatches, handles, and the edges of the fenders. To complete the weathering, I added some dust and mud. I used pigments for this, which are finely ground powders that can be applied to the model to simulate dirt, dust, and mud. I applied the pigments with a brush, focusing on the lower hull, the wheels, and the tracks. I also used a pigment fixer to help the pigments adhere to the model. The weathering process is all about telling a story. It’s about suggesting the environment in which the tank operated and the kind of use it saw. Each technique, from the pin wash to the pigments, contributes to that story. It’s what elevates a model from a simple replica to a miniature work of art.

Comparison Photos: Type 62 vs. T-54/55/59/69

Now for the exciting part – the comparison photos! I lined up my completed Type 62 next to models of the T-54, T-55, T-59, and T-69 to give you a clear visual of the size difference. The Type 62 is noticeably smaller and more compact than the T-54 series tanks. This is because it was designed as a light tank for reconnaissance and infantry support in terrain where heavier tanks might struggle. You can see the difference in the hull length, turret size, and overall profile. The T-54/55/59/69 series are medium tanks, built for more direct combat roles. They have thicker armor, larger guns, and more powerful engines. The Type 62 sacrifices some of that firepower and protection for increased mobility and agility. Looking at the photos, you can also see some of the design differences. The Type 62 has a more streamlined hull and a smaller turret. This helps to reduce its weight and improve its maneuverability. The T-54 series tanks have a more boxy hull and a larger, more heavily armored turret. The Type 62's suspension is also different from the T-54 series. It has a torsion bar suspension, but the wheels are smaller and more closely spaced. This gives it a lower ground pressure, which is important for operating in soft terrain. The comparison photos really highlight the trade-offs involved in designing a tank. The Type 62 is a specialized vehicle, built for a specific purpose. It's not as powerful or as heavily armored as the T-54 series, but it's much more agile and maneuverable. Seeing the Type 62 next to these other tanks really brings its design philosophy into focus. It's a reminder that there's no one-size-fits-all solution in military vehicle design. The best tank for the job depends on the mission, the terrain, and the available resources. These comparisons are also valuable for modelers because they help to understand the scale and proportions of the vehicles. It's one thing to see a model on its own, but it's another thing to see it in context with other vehicles. These photos can help to inform your own modeling choices, such as how to weather the model or how to pose it in a diorama. Ultimately, the comparison photos are a celebration of the diversity of military vehicle design. The Type 62 and the T-54 series represent different approaches to tank warfare, and they both have their strengths and weaknesses. Seeing them side-by-side is a testament to the ingenuity of military engineers and the constant evolution of armored warfare.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, what are my final thoughts on the Trumpeter Type 62 kit? I’d say it’s a fantastic kit, especially the 2015 tooling. It offers a good balance of detail, accuracy, and buildability. The parts fit is generally excellent, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The inclusion of photo-etched parts is a nice touch, and the decals are well-printed. If you're looking for a Type 62 model, this is definitely the one to get. It's a challenging build, but it’s also very rewarding. The finished model looks great, and it’s a unique addition to any collection of Cold War armor. I would recommend this kit to modelers with some experience, as it does require some patience and attention to detail. But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be very happy with the results. The Type 62 is an interesting subject, and this kit captures its unique character perfectly. It's a vehicle that's often overlooked in the history of tank design, but it played an important role in the Chinese military. Building this model is a great way to learn more about the tank and its history. One of the things I appreciate most about this kit is the level of detail. The surface texture on the hull and turret is excellent, and the running gear is nicely detailed. The photo-etched parts add a lot of realism, and the metal machine gun barrel is a great touch. The Trumpeter kit also benefits from being a relatively recent tooling. This means that the molds are in good condition, and the parts are crisply molded with minimal flash. This makes the build process much smoother and more enjoyable. The Type 62, as a subject, is also a great choice for modelers who are looking for something a little different. It's not as common a subject as the T-54 or the M4 Sherman, so it's a chance to build something unique. The Type 62 also offers some interesting possibilities for weathering and diorama building. It operated in a variety of environments, from the mountains of Tibet to the jungles of Southeast Asia, so there are many different ways to depict it. Building a scale model, like this Type 62, is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect with history, to learn about engineering and design, and to express your creativity. It’s a challenging but ultimately rewarding pursuit that can bring a lot of satisfaction. And when you have a finished model that you’re proud of, like this Type 62, it’s something you can display and enjoy for years to come. So, if you’re looking for a new project, I highly recommend giving this Trumpeter kit a try. You won’t be disappointed.