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IJA type 97 Chi-Ha - Late Production, Saipan 1944

By: Dragon Models

Type: Scale Model

Product Line: Dragon Models - Armor Pro Series (1/72)

50+ pcs.

Last Stocked on 8/13/2021

Product Info

Title
IJA type 97 Chi-Ha - Late Production, Saipan 1944
Publisher
Publish Year
2011
Dimensions
10.25x6.5x2"
NKG Part #
2147912683
MFG. Part #
DRA7397
Type
Scale Model
Material
Plastic
Age Range
14 Years and Up

Description

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!

  • Newly tooled IJA Type 97 delicately produced
  • New sprocket wheels w/breathtaking details
  • New idler wheels and road wheels accurately produced
  • Sharply produced on-vehicle tools
  • Hollow exhaust pipe w/photo-etched exhaust cover
  • Intricate cooling grill included
  • Upper hull w/rivet detail molded on
  • Slide-molded lower hull molded w/details
  • Realistic 57mm Type 97 gun and two 7.7mm Type 97 MGs included
  • Cupola can be assembled open/closed
  • Rear hull details accurately produced

    Models are supplied unpainted and some assembly may be required.