Medium Tank Type 97 Shinhoto CHI-HA New Turret

Plastic model kit for a Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha of the Imperial Japanese Army

• 1:35 scale
• Includes clear parts and photo-etched parts
• Cannon features a detailed replica of the breech block
• Vinyl tracks
• Includes 47mm ammunition and sake bottles
• 6 marking options
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha was the up-gunned variant of the proven Type 97 Chi-Ha and became the Imperial Japanese Army's most important medium tank during World War II. The designation "Shinhōtō" means "New Turret" and refers to the most noticeable change compared to the original version. Development began in 1939 in response to lessons learned from border conflicts with the Soviet Union - specifically the Battle of Khalkhin Gol - where the original Chi-Ha's short-barreled 57mm gun had proven inadequate against Soviet tanks.

To significantly boost firepower, the Shinhoto Chi-Ha was fitted with a newly developed, larger three-man turret housing a long-barreled 47mm Type 1 gun. This weapon had a much higher muzzle velocity than the previous 57mm gun and was specifically designed for anti-tank combat. It could reliably engage vehicles like the M3 Stuart and, under favorable conditions, was also effective against early versions of the M4 Sherman. The main armament was supplemented by two 7.7mm machine guns - one in the front hull and one in the rear of the turret.

The tank, weighing approximately 15 tons, was powered by an air-cooled Mitsubishi V12 diesel engine producing around 170 hp, enabling a top speed of approximately 38 km/h. The suspension and running gear remained largely unchanged from the original Chi-Ha, distinguished by their reliability and good off-road capability. However, the riveted armor - with a maximum thickness of approximately 25 mm - offered only limited protection and soon failed to meet the demands of modern battlefields.

The Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha saw action in nearly every theater of war across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. It fought in locations including the Philippines, Burma, Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Despite its improved firepower, it struggled to contend with technically superior Allied main battle tanks as the war progressed. Nevertheless, it remained the most numerous Japanese medium tank until the end of the war.

For modelers, the Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha is one of the most recognizable Japanese armored vehicles of World War II. Key features include the larger three-man turret mounting the long 47mm gun, the low silhouette, and the Chi-Ha's characteristic running gear. Vehicles featuring the classic three-tone camouflage scheme - yellow-brown, olive green, and reddish-brown with black dividing lines - or the solid dark green finish of late-war models are particularly popular. Its historical significance and the wide range of documented operational vehicles make the Shinhoto Chi-Ha a highly attractive subject for detailed scale models and dioramas.