Big Bang Ricochet - WW2 Collection: Osaka Sokosha

First is rarely best. While the Sumida Wolseley Sokosha was the first armored vehicle produced by Japan, it was quickly recognized there was a need for significant improvement in the vehicle's mobility. Between 1930 and 1932, many projects were undertaken in the effort to make those improvements, until the first tracked vehicles began rolling out of the factories. As the Type 92 tankettes and Type 89 medium tanks began to roll out, it was decided by the Daihon'ei (Imperial General Headquarters, the Japanese equivalent of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) that tracked vehicles were the only way to provide the necessary mobility for military activities in Mainland Asia. The Imperial Japanese Army abandoned all armored cars incapable of rail use, and did not mass produce another military armored car for 80 years until the introduction of the Komatsu Light Armored Vehicle in 2002. The fleet of abandoned armored cars were then provided to the Army of Manchukuo.

The Osaka Sokosha was one of those attempts to improve upon the Type 88 Sokosha. In this instance, improvement was to be brought about by using more modern components, like a more powerful engine and wide pneumatic tires. This particular vehicle was not particularly successful and ended up being donated to the Imperial Japanese Navy by a local patriotic group in mainland Japan, allowing it to see combat in the Second Shanghai Incident in 1932.

This document fully details the Osaka Sokosha armored car, plus the Taisho 3 heavy machine gun and Vickers medium machine gun that armed it. Appendices providing information compatible with D20 Modern, Spycraft 2.0, and Savage Worlds is included.

Unlike past issues of Big BangBig Bang Ricochet, the silver-covered books will provide everything necessary to allow you to drop the vehicle straight into your game. No more hunting for other issues covering weapon entries included in previous issues. please be aware this all-inclusive nature means that these silver edition booklets may occasionally duplicate material that has appeared in previous products.