1:76 Type 1 75mm Self-propelled Howitzer HoNi

The Type 1 75 mm self-propelled gun 1:76, a Fujimi kit

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Japanese Type 1 self-propelled gun in 1:76 scale from the Japanese manufacturer Fujimi. The set contains plastic parts on sprues; the model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. The small 1:76 scale suits collectors who want a coherent group of vehicles from one battlefield together without their cabinet overflowing. The number of parts and the content of the decal sheet are stated on the box and in the instructions.

The real subject

The Type 1 was a Japanese self-propelled gun from the Second World War period, built on the chassis of the Type 97 medium tank. An open superstructure with a 75 mm gun replaced the original turret; the gun had limited traverse and pointed mainly forward. The crew worked in an open structure with side shields, so the vehicle was very vulnerable to fire from above and from the sides. The design came about as a quick route to mobile fire support for the infantry and to engaging armored targets at longer range. The numbers built were low compared with the tank types.

Building and painting tips

An open fighting compartment means that the inside is largely visible: assemble and paint the area with the gun before you fit the shields and the upper parts. Cut the parts off with nippers and level the remains of the gates, as at small scales uncleaned patches are conspicuous. Glue with thin cement for plastic. It is practical to paint the running gear and the tracks separately from the hull. After the base coat over a primer, use a dark wash into the pressings and the seams, dry-brushing on the edges and dust pigments on the lower part of the hull and on the tracks.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Japanese Second World War ground equipment
• Modelers who build collections in small scales
• Builders of dioramas with an open fighting compartment interior
• More experienced builders, as the parts are small and call for accurate work

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.