First produced in 1938, the Type 97 ‘Chi-Ha’ was the primary medium tank used by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) during the Second Sino-Japanese War, conflicts with the Soviet Union and into World War Two.
Designed initially as an infantry support vehicle, it was lightly armoured and sported a small 57mm main gun. It was distinguished by unusual turret features such as a rear-facing machine gun and a distinctive annular radio antenna suspended around the upper section.
During the invasion of southeast Asia in the early stages of World War Two, the tank proved effective against infantry, with its light design allowing it to traverse the harsh jungle terrain with ease. The small main gun was very quickly found to be ineffective against other tanks, leading to an improved version with increased armour and a new turret with a larger weapon, known as the ‘Shinhōtō’.
Japanese Medium Tank Type 97 Chi-Ha
By: Tamiya
Stock Code: 35075
Scale: 1/35
Price: £11.99
Available from: The Hobby Company
Tamiya’s Type 97 kit dates back to 1975 (with a Shinhōtō version released in 1987) and the plastic definitely shows its age. It comprises three runners, single-piece upper and lower hull…
