Another model I built a couple of years ago… This is the Japanese Kurogane staff car. I designed the 1/76 patterns of the 2-seat and 3-seat Kurogane for Scale Model Accessories (and a pick-up variant as well), then decided to build one for myself… I decided to open up the engine bay and add a few extra details. The engine grille is scratch, made of a number of fine metal wire section and one can actually see through it (though this can not be seen on this pic). The model is just over 1in long.
I always loved this little fella … surprised Tamiya or someone never released it in 1/35 plastic.
I’m surprised Tamiya has ignored most Japanese armor!
Reckon they are content to let FineMolds fill that niche.
Nice little Kurogane, DJ.
Today’s Japanese lesson: kurogane can mean “iron” in the obsolete pronunciation, or literally, “black metal.” The modern pronounciation is “tetsu.”
I wonder if that’s what they meant with this vehicle? Could just be a person’s name.
Anybody know?
If memory serves me correctly … and most of the time it doesn’t.
Wasn’t this vehicle also known as the “Black Medalion” ?
Could have been a bad translation? Black metal → black medal → black medallion?
Could be, Robert.
That is, the Japanese could be interpreted that way. “Kane” (pronounced “kah-neh”), or “metal,” is often used to simply describe anything that is made of metal, such as a medal or medallion. It’s also the word for “money.”.
Further study reveals that the Chinese character (kanji) for “kane” is the same as gold, or “kin” in Japanese.
Isn’t this fun?