Bandai
Imperial Japanese Army Medium Tank Type 1 CHI-HE
Item Number:
FM-MR04
FM-MR04
Manufacturer
Fine Molds
Fine Molds
Scale:
1:35
1:35
Plastic model kit of an Imperial Japanese Army Type 1 Chi-He medium tank
The Chi-He retained the basic chassis of the Type 97 Chi-Ha but featured a completely redesigned, welded hull with reinforced armor. Frontal armor was increased to up to 50 mm, offering significantly better protection than the predecessor's riveted construction. Weighing approximately 17.5 tons, the tank was powered by an air-cooled Mitsubishi V12 diesel engine producing around 240 hp, enabling a top speed of approximately 44 km/h. It also came equipped with a radio as standard - a significant advancement, given that earlier Japanese tanks often had radios installed only in command vehicles.
Its main armament consisted of a 47 mm Type 1 gun, which offered substantially greater penetrating power than the older, short-barreled 57 mm gun found on the early Chi-Ha. It was developed specifically to combat enemy tanks and, under favorable conditions, could engage vehicles such as the M3 Stuart or the early M4 Sherman at medium ranges. Its armament was supplemented by two 7.7 mm machine guns - one in the front hull and one in the rear of the turret.
Due to low production numbers, the Type 1 Chi-He saw only very limited frontline service. Most vehicles remained on the Japanese home islands or were stationed in Manchuria to counter a potential Allied invasion. Consequently, the tank largely missed out on major combat operations.
The Type 1 Chi-He is of particular interest to modelers, as it marks the transition from early Japanese tanks to the more modern designs of the war's final years. Characteristic features include the welded hull, the angular turret mounting the long 47 mm gun, and the typical Japanese suspension system with its distinctive road wheels. The - usually three-tone - camouflage scheme of yellow-brown, olive green, and reddish-brown, featuring black dividing lines, offers numerous opportunities for realistic weathering and dirt effects, making the Chi-He an attractive subject for vehicle models and dioramas.
- Scale: 1:35
- Dimensions (LxW, assembled): 160 x 67 mm
- Approx. 218 parts
- Segmented tracks
- Gun includes a detailed replica of the breech block.
- 7 marking options
- Unassembled, unpainted
- Paint and glue not included
The Chi-He retained the basic chassis of the Type 97 Chi-Ha but featured a completely redesigned, welded hull with reinforced armor. Frontal armor was increased to up to 50 mm, offering significantly better protection than the predecessor's riveted construction. Weighing approximately 17.5 tons, the tank was powered by an air-cooled Mitsubishi V12 diesel engine producing around 240 hp, enabling a top speed of approximately 44 km/h. It also came equipped with a radio as standard - a significant advancement, given that earlier Japanese tanks often had radios installed only in command vehicles.
Its main armament consisted of a 47 mm Type 1 gun, which offered substantially greater penetrating power than the older, short-barreled 57 mm gun found on the early Chi-Ha. It was developed specifically to combat enemy tanks and, under favorable conditions, could engage vehicles such as the M3 Stuart or the early M4 Sherman at medium ranges. Its armament was supplemented by two 7.7 mm machine guns - one in the front hull and one in the rear of the turret.
Due to low production numbers, the Type 1 Chi-He saw only very limited frontline service. Most vehicles remained on the Japanese home islands or were stationed in Manchuria to counter a potential Allied invasion. Consequently, the tank largely missed out on major combat operations.
The Type 1 Chi-He is of particular interest to modelers, as it marks the transition from early Japanese tanks to the more modern designs of the war's final years. Characteristic features include the welded hull, the angular turret mounting the long 47 mm gun, and the typical Japanese suspension system with its distinctive road wheels. The - usually three-tone - camouflage scheme of yellow-brown, olive green, and reddish-brown, featuring black dividing lines, offers numerous opportunities for realistic weathering and dirt effects, making the Chi-He an attractive subject for vehicle models and dioramas.
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