produkt-MD-007

The Japanese Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank, early production, 1:35

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Japanese Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank in 1:35 scale, in its early production version. The set comes from the Dragon mold and captures the features of the first batches: the arrangement of the engine deck, the position of the tool box, the shovel and the brackets on the rear plate. The model is intended for more experienced builders, because the assembled running gear and the fine hull fittings call for careful work.

The real subject

The Type 97 Chi-Ha was the most widespread Japanese medium tank of the Second World War. It was created as infantry support, which is why it carried a short 57 mm weapon with a low muzzle velocity, suited to use against fortifications, and two machine guns, one of them in the rear of the turret. Power came from an air-cooled diesel engine, which was an unusual solution in its day. The tank served in China and in the island fighting in the Pacific, where, however, both its weak armament and its armor proved inadequate against American medium tanks.

Building and painting tips

Finish and paint the running gear and the inside of the hull before you close the upper part, or you will no longer be able to reach them. On plastic, use a thin cement applied into the seam with a brush. Apply a primer before painting; an airbrush suits Japanese equipment because of the soft transitions between the fields of the camouflage. Build the weathering up in layers: a dark wash into the recesses, then a dry brush on the edges and finally dust pigments on the running gear.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of Japanese Second World War equipment.
• For modelers with experience of assembled running gear.
• For dioramas from the fighting in China and the Pacific.

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