Dragon 6875 1/35 IJA Type 97 "Chi-Ha" Plastic Model Kit

 

This new 1/35 scale model depicts a later version of the Type 97 57mm medium tank. Hence, the kit contains a great many new components to correctly depict the pertinent characteristics. In fact, this kit features a brand new upper hull, lower hull and rear fenders compared to the previously issued Type 97 Early Production. Also new is a stowage box installed on the rear hull plate. The kit was thoroughly researched by a Japanese design team based on investigations and measurements of several surviving tanks. The kit widely employs slide molds so that fewer parts are needed, leading to a perfect balance of easy assembly and accuracy as is normal for Dragon’s Smart Kits. Another highlight are the tracks that can be fitted onto a jig included on the sprue. This allows pre-assembly of track sections possessing an appropriate “droop” to fit over the return rollers on each side. As the Chi-Ha was widely used throughout the Asia-Pacific theater, all sorts of imaginative dioramas are possible.