Details of Trumpeter 00315 1/35 Chinese Type 59D Medium Tank with Reactive Armor
Basic Specifications
• Item No.: Trumpeter 00315
• Scale: 1/35
• Subject: Chinese Type 59D Upgraded Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor
• Kit Type: Unpainted plastic assembly kit, glue and paint required
• Completed Dimensions: Length 258 mm, Width 100 mm, Height 75 mm
• Parts Count: Over 390 pieces
• Photo-etched parts: Not included
• Package Weight: approx 580 g
• Figures, glue, paints and tools NOT included
Kit Contents
• Complete upgraded Type 59D hull and modified turret assembly
• Accurate 105mm Type 83A long-barrel rifled main gun barrel
• Full set of simulated explosive reactive armor blocks for hull and turret
• 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun parts
• Complete road wheels, return rollers, drive sprockets and idler wheels
• Detailed torsion bar suspension system and flexible track link components
• Updated turret observation devices and fire control accessory parts
• Authentic exterior stowage boxes and fuel tank fittings
• Decals for multiple PLA military standard marking schemes
• Detailed step-by-step assembly instruction manual
Kit Features
• High-precision 1/35 scale model of China advanced Type 59D upgraded medium tank
• Faithfully reproduced iconic explosive reactive armor layout covering turret and hull front
• Accurately restored upgraded 105mm long-barrel main gun and modernized fire control configuration
• Rich surface details including casting textures, panel lines and upgraded vehicle features
• Realistic flexible track links and movable suspension structure for vivid static display
• Fully displays the late upgrade characteristics of Chinese Type 59 tank family
• Excellent for Chinese modern military armor collection and themed diorama building
• Reasonable part distribution, suitable for assembly, painting and weathering modification
Recommended Skill Level
• Suitable for Chinese military armor collectors and upgraded tank model enthusiasts
• Beginner to intermediate skill level friendly for daily assembly and modification
Historical Background
• The Type 59D is a late upgraded variant of China’s classic Type 59 medium tank, officially developed and finalized in the 1990s.
• The core upgrades include newly installed explosive reactive armor, greatly improving defense capability against modern anti-tank munitions.
• It is equipped with improved Type 83A 105mm long-barrel rifled gun, with enhanced armor penetration and long-range strike performance.
• The tank adopted updated fire control system and observation aiming devices, effectively improving battlefield reaction and strike accuracy.
• As a cost-effective modernization upgrade of the old Type 59 fleet, it once served in large numbers in the PLA ground forces and undertook conventional assault and defense missions.
Full‑Size Vehicle Specifications (Type 59D Medium Tank)
• Combat Weight: 37 tons
• Overall Length (gun forward): 9.15 m
• Overall Width: 3.30 m
• Overall Height: 2.59 m
• Engine: 12150L 12-cylinder diesel engine, 520 hp
• Max road speed: 48 km/h
• Cruising range: 460 km
• Main Armament: 105mm Type 83A rifled tank gun
• Secondary Armament: 1 × 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, 1 × 7.62mm coaxial machine gun
• Defensive Equipment: Explosive reactive armor system
• Crew: 4 personnel
