Japanese Type 74 Tank

This kit from Trumpeter, the Type74 tank from the JGSDF or Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, is overall a good kit with some issues. It has in general a good level of detail with the moldings being nice and sharp, (e.g., the M2HB machine gun looks great for this scale). A nice touch is that the 2 turret hatches and the driver's hatch in the main body, can be left open or closed, the kit also comes with two figures, which are nice. another good feature is that the exhaust extensions can be built ready for wading (or not). it includes a small piece of acetate for the search light lens. Then some issues: Trumpeter also include a small length of string for the tow rope, which in my case, was a headache to make it look real, the other (much bigger) problem for me are the Vinyl tracks, on one hand they have a very good level of detail, but on the other hand, they were a real problem to make it fit with the wheels, they are too long and do not look realistic. Except the tracks, it's a recommended kit for a Cold War collection.