Details of Trumpeter 00343 1/35 Korean Type 88 K1 Main Battle Tank
Basic Specifications
• Item No.: Trumpeter 00343
• Scale: 1/35
• Subject: Republic of Korea Army Type 88 (K1) Main Battle Tank
• Kit Type: Unpainted plastic assembly kit, glue and paint required
• Completed Dimensions: Length 276 mm, Width 103 mm, Height 82 mm
• Parts Count: Over 390 pieces
• Photo-etched parts: Not included
• Package Weight: approx 540 g
• Figures, glue, paints and tools NOT included
Kit Contents
• Complete accurate original Type 88 K1 standard hull and turret assembly
• Detailed 105mm M68A1 rifled main gun barrel with authentic exterior structure
• 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun parts
• Full set of road wheels, return rollers, drive sprockets and idler wheels
• Authentic torsion bar suspension system components for static chassis display
• Realistic flexible track link parts with precise tread pattern details
• Original K1 turret sighting devices, sensor modules and exterior fittings
• Hull side skirts, external stowage boxes and standard military accessories
• Decals for multiple Republic of Korea Army standard marking schemes
• Detailed step-by-step assembly instruction manual
Kit Features
• Standard 1/35 scale high-fidelity model restoring South Korean original Type 88 K1 main battle tank
• Faithfully reproduced early K1 turret profile, hull contour and classic Western tank design layout
• Accurately restored original 105mm rifled main gun and basic fire control system exterior features
• Rich surface textures including panel lines, bolt details and composite armor structural characteristics
• Complete suspension structure and flexible tracks present authentic static combat posture
• Fully displays the original design characteristics of K1 tank before A1 upgrade modification
• Ideal for Korean military armor collection and modern Asian tank themed diorama building
• Reasonable part layout, balanced assembly difficulty, friendly for painting and weathering modification
Recommended Skill Level
• Suitable for modern military tank collectors and Korean armor model enthusiasts
• Beginner to intermediate skill level, easy to complete standard assembly and detailed finishing
Historical Background
• The Type 88 K1 is South Korea’s first domestically developed third-generation main battle tank, jointly designed with American technical support and officially serving in the 1980s.
• As the foundational model of the K1 tank family, it is equipped with a 105mm rifled gun, differing from the later upgraded 120mm gun K1A1 variant.
• Adopting advanced composite armor and stable fire control system, it possesses reliable firepower, protection and mobility balance performance.
• Designed to adapt to Korean peninsula terrain and tactical combat environment, it undertakes frontline defense and conventional assault missions of South Korean armored forces.
• It laid a solid technical foundation for the subsequent improvement and iteration of South Korean domestic main battle tanks.
Full‑Size Vehicle Specifications (Korean Type 88 K1 MBT)
• Combat Weight: 51.1 tons
• Overall Length (gun forward): 9.67 m
• Overall Width: 3.59 m
• Overall Height: 2.25 m
• Engine: MTU MB871 Ka-501 diesel engine, 1200 hp
• Max road speed: 65 km/h
• Cruising range: 450 km
• Main Armament: 105mm M68A1 rifled tank gun
• Secondary Armament: 1 × 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, 2 × 7.62mm machine guns
• Defensive Equipment: Composite armor, smoke grenade launchers
• Crew: 4 personnel
