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In-Box Review
135
Komatsu Lenses
Komatsu Lenses
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by: Darren Baker [ CMOT ]

Introduction

The Komatsu LAV is in service with the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force and went into service with them in 2005. The Komatsu LAV was brought into the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force as an alternative to the Toyota High Mobility Vehicles and Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Trucks, the reason for this being the lack of protection against small arms fire. The Komatsu LAV was sent to Kuwait when the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force was deployed there from Jan 2004 to September 2006. SKP Model recently released a set of their lenses and taillights for the Tamiya offering of interesting looking vehicle.

Review

This latest set of lenses and taillights from SKP Model is on a single photo etched fret containing four pairs of lights for the Tamiya model. The headlights would appear to be excellent replacement for the kit parts, the detail behind the clear lens looks to accurately depict the detail see on the real lenses. Moving onto the indicator lens for the front of the vehicle; the indicator in the set from SKP Model is excellent having very accurate detail behind the amber lens, the indicator is off set towards the top and this detail has been accurately reproduced in this product.

Moving onto the front side indicators which my research indicates are oblong blocks, unfortunately SKP Model has provided in this set elliptical lenses ending in points. The lenses are the correct colour but I am unsure how much the wrong shape will stick out. Now looking at the rear light cluster which have again been excellently reproduced in this offering from SKP Model. the light cluster is made up of a red, clear, and amber lenses and the lenses in this set faithfully reproduce that, and from what I can tell look to be the correct proportions for the model. I have noticed that the set does not provide lenses for the convoy lights but as these are very small it should not be a big issue.

Conclusion

Yet another excellent offering from SKP Model helping the modeller to accurately and realistically imitate the lights on this vehicle. The set has it problems in that the front wing indicators are the wrong shape and the convoy lights not being supplied, but the other three pairs of lights are excellent and cannot be replicated better in my opinion. The cost of this product is very good and I believe does ad a lot to the finished model.
SUMMARY
Highs: The front indicator lenses are excellently reproduced but be sure to place them the correct way up.
Lows: The incorrect shape of the front wing indicator is disappointing.
Verdict: Despite the error I still think this set is a worthy addition to your model and that will help lift it up a notch.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: SKP 160
  Suggested Retail: €6.40
  PUBLISHED: Jul 22, 2013
  NATIONALITY: Japan / 日本
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 85.13%

Our Thanks to SKP Model!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Darren Baker (CMOT)
FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

I have been building model kits since the early 70’s starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70’s, I have had lots of opportunitie...

Copyright ©2021 text by Darren Baker [ CMOT ]. All rights reserved.



   
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