Aoshima 1/32 Hino Ranger By Carl Kietzke

Introduction

The "Truck war" between Aoshima and Fujimi heats up. This is Aoshima’s first release in their new 4t Custom Truck Series. This kit is typical of the current generation of Hino’s mid range tilt cab trucks.

The Kit

The box contains two black, one white, four chrome, and two clear sprues plus the Cab, van body, bag of axles, bushings and misc items, and a small decal sheet. All moldings are clean and well formed, but quite simplified. The chassis and floor of the van body are one piece which will complicate any conversions. It is a curbside kit; therefore, there is no engine. A quick dry fit indicates there will be no fit problems.

Accuracy

Scales well to published data and literature found at the local Hino dealership. The cab itself is a tribute to current slide-mold technology capturing all the fine shapes and contours well enough that will not be lost under the paint.

Conclusion:

This kit is quite simplified in design, but should produce an excellent finished model. The combination of the truck frame and van body will, as noted earlier, complicate any conversions. Overall, another well executed truck kit from Aoshima. I wonder what the next release in this series will be. I purchased this kit through Hobby Link Japan for about $40.00.