Japanese Type 98 and 100 Armoured Vehicles [Brickmania MODs]

[greg3]

The recent Brickmania magazine featured instructions for a Type 97 Ke-Te Tankette from WW2. I did a bit of research into this obscure vehicle and discovered it spawned a couple of variants which I decided to try and recreate using the chassis of the original vehicle. 

The Original Brinckmania Type 97 Tankette (the real life version performed reasonably well against the Chinese but was no match for US and Soviet forces)

Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 98 So-Da Troop/Ammo carrier

The first variant was a troop and ammunition carrier. The turret was removed and the engine relocated to beside the driver freeing up the rear to carry troops/cargo.

Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr

It was also fitted with a frame to add a canvas roof and opening rear doors. It also had a towing hook and could pull artillery pieces.

Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr

The original could carry up to 10 troops!! My LEGO version... not quite as many!!

Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotting Vehicle

Almost identical to the Type 98, this variant was intended for use by artillery spotters to direct long range fire. The troop/cargo section was equipped with radios and a rangefinder could be mounted on the engine deck.

Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr

Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr

Close up of the radio (a printed tile from a Brickmania accessory pack)

Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr

Figures are Lego minifigs with Brickmania torso stickers on. Accessories are mainly Brickarms and Brick Warriors.

Thanks for looking - comments always welcome.

Edited August 26, 2018 by greg3

[deraven]

Really great at that very compact size!  How stable are the builds?

[greg3]

Thanks for the comment... as for stability, it took a few attempts to have everything stay together while still having the different colours for the camouflage (building it in just one colour would have been a lot easier and caused no issues). However the end result is pretty sturdy and definitely "playable" - the tracks spin easily and the rear doors open and close no problem. 

Now I'm looking to MOD some more Brickmania kits!! Watch this space!!