1/72 IJA Type 97 "Chi-Ha" Late Production Saipan 1944

This is a plastic model kit, which comes unassembled and unpainted. So glue, model paints and other basic modelling tools are additionally required.

Dragon recently came up with the first of some scintillating new subjects in its series of 1/72 scale plastic kits. The first item was a Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go light tank, and now another Japanese subject is added to the collection. The addition is a Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank, Japan's most widely produced medium tank of WWII. Boasting a short-barreled 57mm main gun and two Type 97 machine guns, this tank was intended to serve as an up-scaled version of the Type 95 for infantry support. Armor protection was modest on this vehicle built mainly by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. A total of 2,123 tanks were built from 1938-43, although 930 of these were of the improved Type 97 Kai version featuring a higher-velocity 47mm gun. The tank could move at a speed of 38km/h.

Dragon's 1/72 scale model shows such a Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank. Like the preceding Ha-Go light tank (#7394), this model makes wide use of slide-mold technology. The lower hull, for instance, is made as one piece with all details molded on. The same goes for the intricate slide-molded turret. To ensure easy and accurate assembly, the upper hull comes as a single piece too. The DS track runs on idler wheels, return rollers and 1st and 6th road wheels that are all slide-molded. Slide molds also enable the main cannon and machine gun muzzles to be hollow. Finally, a photo-etched part is provided for the muffler. Modelers will be delighted with Dragon's rendition of this widely used Japanese medium tank!