TYPE 97 CHI HA IN THE JUNGLE (Final Reveal)

[privatepete]

Hi back at the bench with a Japanese Type 97 CHI HA and tank crew which will be set in a jungle diorama with a Buddha in palm trees.I was going two enter this build in the "PTO" GB build but thing happened, I asked Paul to move it from the normal build section I though it end in July but it's August.

[Noobmodeler521]

Looks like it will be a great piece! It's not so common we see Japanese armor on here so definitely watching this one.

[privatepete]

BACKGROUND
The Type 97 Chi-Ha (九七式中戦車 チハ Kyūnana-shiki chū-sensha Chi-ha?) was a medium tank used by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Battles of Khalkhin Gol against the Soviet Union, and the Second World War. It was the most widely produced Japanese medium tank of World War II, although the armor protection was average for a 1930s tank.The 57 mm main gun, designed for infantry support, was a carry over from the 1933 Type 89 medium tank. Later it was replaced by a 47 mm gun that was more effective against armor. The 170 hp Mitsubishi engine was a capable tank engine in 1938, notably for the time – it was an air cooled diesel. After 1941, the tank was less effective than most Allied tank designs.
The Type 97's low silhouette and semicircular radio antenna on the turret distinguished the tank from its contemporaries. The suspension was derived from the Type 95 Ha-Go light tank, but used six road wheels instead of four.

With the Type 89 Chi-Ro fast becoming obsolete in the late 1930s, the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) began a program to develop a replacement tank for infantry support. Experience during the invasion of Manchuria determined that the Type 89 was too slow to keep up with motorized infantry.The new medium tank was intended to be a scaled-up four-man version of the Type 95 Ha-Go light tank, although with a two-man turret, thicker armor, and more power to maintain performance.
The Tokyo factory of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries completed a prototype designated Chi-Ha. The second prototype was completed in June 1937. Although the requirement was for a 47 mm gun, it retained the same short-barreled 57 mm gun as the Type 89B tank.
However, at the time IJA was more interested in the lighter Chi-Ni prototype proposed by Osaka Army Arsenal, because it was less expensive and had the same 57 mm gun.
The Second Sino-Japanese War broke out on 7 July 1937. Peacetime budgetary limitations were removed, and the more expensive Mitsubishi Chi-Ha model was accepted as a new Type 97 medium tank.

Chi (チ) came from Chū-sensha (チュウセンシャ, "medium tank"). Ha and Ni, in Japanese army nomenclature, refer to model number 3 and 4, respectively from old Japanese alphabet iroha. The Type was numbered 97 as an abbreviation of the imperial year 2597, corresponding to the year 1937 in the standard Gregorian calendar.Therefore, the name "Type 97 Chi-Ha" could be translated as "1937's medium tank model 3".
Type 97 Chi-Ha tank radio operator and vehicle Radio Set Type 96 Mark 4 Bo.

Type 97 hull was of riveted construction with the engine in the rear compartment. In the forward compartment, the driver sat on the right, and bow gunner on the left.The commander's cupola was placed atop the turret. Internal communications were by 12 push buttons in the turret, connected to 12 lights and a buzzer near the driver.
The Type 97 was initially equipped with a Type 97 57 mm main gun, the same caliber as that used for the earlier Type 89 I-Go tank. The cannon was a short-barreled weapon with a relatively low muzzle velocity, but sufficient as the tank was intended primarily for infantry support. The gun had no elevation gear.

The tank carried two 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns, one on the front left of the hull and the other in a ball mount on the rear of the turret. The latter could not be remounted on top of the turret for anti-aircraft use.The turret was capable of full 360-degree traverse, but the main gun had a second pair of trunnions, internally allowing a maximum 10-degree traverse independently of the turret.
The thickest armor used was 50 mm on the gun mantlet and 28 mm on the hull front.
Power was provided by an air-cooled "V-12 21.7 liter diesel Mitsubishi SA12200VD" engine, which provided 170 hp (127 kW).
The shortcomings of the Type 97, with its low-velocity 57 mm gun, became clear during the 1939 Battles of Khalkhin Gol against the Soviet Union. The 45 mm gun of the Soviet BT-5 and BT-7 tanks outranged the Japanese tank gun, resulting in heavy Japanese losses. This convinced the Army of the need for a more powerful gun. Development of a new 47 mm weapon began in 1939 and was completed in 1941. The Type 1 47mm tank gun was designed specifically to counter the Soviet tanks. The 47 mm gun's longer barrel generated much higher muzzle velocity, resulting in armor penetration superior to that of the 57 mm gun.The new version, designated Type 97-Kai Shinhoto Chi-Ha, replaced the original model in production in 1942.It had a new, larger three man turret. (A considerable number of existing 57-mm-gun turrets were subsequently re-used in the Type 4 Ke-Nu light tank.)

The Type 97 medium tank was manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hitachi Industries, as well as some limited production in the Army's Sagami Arsenal. The number of Type 97 medium tanks produced was slightly lower than of the Type 95 Ha-Go light tanks, but larger than any other tank fielded by Empire of Japan. The following number of units were produced for the years 1938 to 1943:
The Kyunana-shiki chu-sensha Chi-Ha, with nearly 2100 units built (including the improved Shinhoto), was the second most produced tank in Japanese history, after the smaller Ha-Go. It was found everywhere in Asia, soldiering from the cold steppes of northern Manchuria and Mongolia to the soaky jungles of New Guinea, Burma, the Eastern Indies, and all around the Pacific.
The Chi-Ha (“medium tank third”), or ordnance Type 97, referring to the imperial year 2597, was first preceded by a thorough examination of the main IJA medium tank by 1935, the Type 89 Chi-Ro. It had proven to be too slow to operate effectively on the wide expenses of China, and did not suit well with the new tactical requirements of motorized warfare, as seen particularly during the invasion of Manchuria. As a result, a new specification was issued to Japanese companies, among those Mitsubishi, which responded quickly with a design of its own, inspired by the fast light tank Ha-Go. The Tokyo Mitsubishi Heavy Industries complex delivered and tested the first prototype as early as April 1937, followed by a second one in June. As required by the ordnance, it had the same 57 mm (2.24 in) gun featured on the Type 89B. Meanwhile, Osaka Arsenal also delivered its prototype. Although cheaper than the former, it was ultimately rejected because of the end of all peacetime budgetary limitations, following the second Sino-Japanese war of June 1938.
The Mitsubishi design heavily relied on previous features present on the Ha-Go, as well as some innovations. These included a set of 12 buttons situated in the turret, linked to a corresponding set of buzzers which acted as instructions for the driver, as there was no intercom. The driver sat on the right and hull gunner to the left. The tank commander was also the gunner, sited inside the turret, and assisted by a loader/radioman/rear machine-gunner. Like previous models, the turret had no coaxial machine-gun, but a rear turret ballmount, housing a Type 97 machine-gun. The turret was equipped with a relatively large commander cupola. Later, a horse-shoe radio was mounted. This feature is unique among Japanese tanks, being very useful in identifying Chi-Ha vehicles in pictures. No machine-gun turret mount was provided for AA defense.

The suspension was a virtual repeat of the bell-crank system, but with an extra bogie. This gave a total of six road wheels on each side, two paired and two independent. This crude system was meant for easy maintenance, not comfort. The long, bolted hull, was still relatively low and narrow, making this model less maneuverable, but faster, more stable and more difficult to hit. The main gun, the Type 97 57 mm (2.24 in), was an infantry support piece of artillery, with low velocity and poor antitank capabilities. However, these were sufficient against most Chinese tanks of the time. It had no elevation gear. An interesting feature is that the gun had a limited traverse (10 degrees) inside the turret. Armor was slightly thicker than on the Ha-Go, ranging from 8 mm on the bottom (0.31 in), to 26 mm (1.02 in) for the turret sides, and up to 33 mm (1.3 in) on the gun mantlet. This was sufficient against 20 mm (0.79 in) and most 37 mm (1.46 in) weapons. However, the propulsion system was quite revolutionary, with a brand new V12, 21.7 liter diesel, air-cooled engine, developing 170 bhp at 2000 rpm (factory designation SA12200VD). This proved sturdy enough to be produced until 1943. and the Chi-Ha chassis-propulsion was successfully reused for other derivatives.

By September 1939, around 300 units had been produced, and quickly tried in China. A more violent baptism of fire was received against Russian armor at Nomonhan Plateau (Battle of Khalkin Gol). Despite having good performances, these tanks proved themselves ill-matched against most Russian tanks, including lightly protected models like the BT-5/7. The Soviet models possessed high velocity 45 and 37 mm (1.77-1.46 in) main guns, which outranged the Japanese tanks. The Type 97 infantry gun proved useless during these engagements. The reports made after these events prompted an upgunning and upgrade effort inside the army. A new 47 mm (1.85 in) high velocity gun was developed and tried at the beginning of 1941. This new Type 1 gun required turret modifications, which resulted in the main variant of the type, the Type 97 kai. The Chi-Ha production ended early in 1942, with a total of 1162 being delivered. The production line was adapted for the new improved model.

The Type 97 Kai Shinhoto Chi-Ha was simply a rearmed model, using the new Type 1 47 mm (1.85 in) army gun. This long-barrel (2.5 m), high muzzle velocity (730 m/s) gun was developed when the Type 94 model proved insufficient to defeat the armor of most Russian tanks of the 1939-40 generation. The gun itself had been tested since 1938, and was at first rejected because of poor performance. But, after some improvements, it was quickly adopted by the IJA general staff as the new main antitank gun. A tank variant was developed by Osaka Arsenal, most being given to the new Shinhoto Chi-Ha. It had better performance, a muzzle velocity of 830 m/s (2,723 ft/s) and a maximum range of 6,900 m (7,546 yd). A total of 2300 of these guns were produced until 1945. The first Shinhoto prototype was ready only at the end of 1941, and production began early in 1942. This new model completely replaced the Chi-Ha on the factory line. When production finally stopped in 1943, 930 had been delivered, despite an army request for more than 2500. This was mostly due to the lack of raw materials the Japanese industry suffered daily. However, the Chi-Ha design was largely incorporated into the new Type 1 Chi-He and derivatives.

Variants and succession of the Chi-Ha
As the most largely produced and tested medium tank, the chassis was found suitable to create countless specialized variants during the war.
– The amphibious Ka-Chi (19 built) and Ka-Tsu (6?), as well as the experimental To-Ku and Ka-Sha.
– Many SPGs, starting with the turretless Type 1 Ho-Ni I and Ho-Ni II, and the Ho-Ni III tank destroyer (around 250 built).
– The Type 2 Ho-I infantry support tank (30 converted by 1945), propelled by a new Type 100 diesel engine, and armed with a 75 mm (2.95 in) howitzer.
– Heavy naval infantry support variant equipped with a 120 mm (4.72 in) short barreled gun for close support. An experimental long barrel was also tested with the naval Type 10 120 mm (4.72 in) AA Gun.
– The Type 4 Ho-Ro howitzer carrier (about 25 produced), with a 150 mm (5.9 in) short-barrel Type 38 howitzer.
– The Type 4 Na-To tank destroyer (2 built), used a chassis derived from the the Type 4 Chi-So tracked transport vehicle, itself derived from the Chi-Ha.
– At least a dozen prototype SPGs and medium tanks until 1945.
The Chi-Ha Shinhoto was also noted as the blueprint for the next generation of IJA tanks, notably the improved Type 1 Chi-He (around 170 produced) and Type 3 Chi-Nu (166).
Active service
The Chi-Ha was, along with the Ha-Go, the bulk of IJA and Navy armored forces in eastern Asia. They were the most often encountered Japanese tanks by the Allies during the entire conflict. It was largely deployed in China after the second invasion of 1937, easily outmatching the ill-equipped tank battalions of the National Revolutionary Army of China. Things began the become serious with the first deployment on the Russian border, during the incidents which led to the large scale battle of Nomonhan plateau, in September 1939. Here, only four Type 97s were incorporated into the 3rd Tank Regiment of the 1st Tank Corp under Lt. General Yasuoka Masaomi’s command. One of these, serving as the command tank, was stuck in a tank trap and burst into flames after being shot by several BT-5s, BT-7s and AT guns. Others were disabled, proving their main gun was no match for the Russian long range, high muzzle velocity weapons. Manchurian Type 97s that remained, once again fought against Soviet forces, in August 1945. By then, most Russian tanks were one generation ahead.
During the battle of Malaya and of Singapore, Yamashita’s 3rd Tank Group comprised dozens of Type 97. The 3rd Tank Company under First Lieutenant Yamane (Saeki Detachment) distinguished itself, spearheading the attack on the British defenses. The Chi-Ha proved capable of fending off thick jungle and seemingly impassable terrain, as did Guderian’s Panzers in the Ardennes, and were key to Yamashita’s victory. The 2nd and 14th Tank Regiments, also largely composed of Chi-Has, participated in the Burma campaign. In the Philippines, in May 1942, the first Shinhoto Chi-Ha entered in action against Wainwright’s armored forces, comprising mainly light M3 tanks. Their improved gun proved lethal, enabling the engaged Japanese units to conclude the battle of Corregidor with a crushing victory.
The next step was in the Eastern Indies (Indonesia), against the combined ABDA ground forces. Despite the muddy, hilly terrain, thick, soaky jungle, and scorching heath, some Type 97s participated in the operations, although in limited numbers. They were to be used in Papua/New Guinea, and some fought at Guadalcanal during the offensive of the Solomon islands.
Later, during the Pacific campaign, many Type 97s of the IJ Marines were posted in strategic islands, and found themselves engaged in desperate defensive actions. Their most notable intervention occurred during the combined offensive of Colonel Takashi Goto’s 9th Tank Regiment and Colonel Yukimatsu Ogawa’s 136rd Infantry Regiment, combining nearly sixty Chi-Ha and Ha-Go tanks, along with many tankettes, at Saipan, against the US 6th Marine Regiment. They were broken by a hellish fire from land (tanks and field artillery), sea (naval guns) and air. This was the last and largest Japanese offensive involving such armor during the conflict. On many other islands, Chi-Ha tanks were simply half buried in the ground, as defensive positions, since their armor proved largely inferior to the M4 Sherman and most Allied tanks sent in this sector. Numerical inferiority proved to be an issue too often. At Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, the few Type 97s left were outnumbered six up to ten to one, and a single infantry battalion counted several bazooka operators, all deadly against the Chi-Ha.
The last production batches of the Shinhoto Chi-Ha, in 1943, were kept inside mainland Japan, provisioned for the future expected invasion. Other served as testbeds for many new vehicles, or converted for other purposes. Few have survived to this day. A sizable force of captured Chi-Has had been used against the communists, after the war, in China by Nationalist forces, and many have been captured during the war. Some saw action during the Korean war (on both camps), and some were retained in service long after, somewhat upgraded, by the new Indonesian army. Surviving examples today can be seen in the Japan Yushukan Museum (Tokyo) and Wakajishi Shrine (Fujinomiya, Shizuoka), Brawijaya Museum at Malang (Indonesia), at the People’s Liberation Museum, Beijing, China, and one was at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in the United States. Countless rusty wrecks still haunt many Pacific islands today.

Type 97 Chi-Ha specifications.
Dimensions 5.5 x 2.34 x 2.33 m (18 x 7.6 x 7.5 ft)
Total weight, battle ready 15 tons/16.5 tons for the Shinhoto
Crew 4
Propulsion Mitsubishi Type 97 diesel, V12, 170 hp (127 kW)@2000 rpm
Speed 38 km/h (24 mph)
Armor 12 mm (0.15 in) roof and bottom, 25 mm (0.47 in) glacis and sides
Armament 47 mm (1.85 in)
3 x Type 92 7.7 mm (0.3 in) machine guns
Range (road) 210 km (165 miles)

Total production 1162 + 930 KaiChi-Ha
Type 97 Chi-Ha Ichi-Hai (early hull type), unknown unit, Manchuria, 1940.
Chi-Ha
Type 97 Chi-Ha early type, unknown unit, Southern China, 1941.
Chi-Ha
Type 97 Chi-Ha, 1st Sensha Rentai, 25th Imperial Japanese Army, Malaya, Jitra sector, December 1941.
Type 97 Chi-Ha Burma 1941
Chi-Ha of an unknown unit, Burma, December 1941.
Chi-Ha Navy 1942
Type 97 Chi-Ha, unknown unit of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1942.
Chi-Ha early 1942
Type 97 Chi-Ha of an unknown Imperial Japanese Navy unit, Burma, 1942.
Chi-Ha late production New guinea 1943
Type 97 Chi-Ha late production vehicle, 5th Company, 17th Tank Regiment, New Guinea, 1943.
Late Chi-Ha 1945
Late production Chi-Ha, 14th Independent Company Jeju-do, Japan, summer 1945.
Chi-Ha Shinhoto Navy
Type 97 Chi-Ha Kai (Shinhoto), unknown unit of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1943.
Type 97 Chi-Ha Shinhoto Philippines 1944
Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha, 11th Sensha Rentai (Armored regiment), 2nd Sensha Shidan (IJA Armored division), based in the Philippines in early 1944. This unit was redeployed, in January 1944, from Manchuria. Later, in early 1945, it was moved to Okinawa with a complement of brand new Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Has, renamed 27th Sensha Rentai. The character “shi” before the identification number means “warrior”.
Type 97 Chi-Ha Shinhoto Kuriles islands, early 1945
Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha, 11th Tank Regiment, Kuril Islands, early 1945.
Type 97 Chi-Ha Shinhoto Luzon 1945
Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha, 7th Regiment, 2nd IJA Armored Division, Luzon, Philippines.
Type 97 Chi-Ha Shinhoto Japan, summer 1945
Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha, 5th Tank Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Kyushu, Japan, summer 1945. The blue and white rectangle is a tactical reconnaissance symbol.
Type 97
A Shi-Ki command tank, a wartime variant using the Type 97 chasis. Changes includes a new long range horseshoe radio antenna, modified commander cupola, shortened turret, sometimes fitted with a dummy gun, and a 37 mm (1.46 in) antitank gun replacing the frontal machine-gun in a new redesigned casemate. Total production of this variant is unknown.

IN ADDITION
I planned to make my Type 97 in service on Saipan in 1944. Many of these tanks had a small platform attached to the lower rear hull to carry extra infantry. I decided to add one to mine since it gives the tank a different look. I will make the frame out of evergreen "L" brackets and used the large pattern aluminum mesh for the platform. I will attached it to the hull using thin rope to tie it on the lower hull brackets and the upper engine deck handles . This was based on photos in the article and ones I copied at the National Archives.











The Battle
The bombardment of Saipan began on 13 June 1944. Fifteen battleships were involved, and 165,000 shells were fired. Seven modern fast battleships delivered 2,400 16 in (410 mm) shells, but to avoid potential minefields, fire was from a distance of 10,000 yd (9,100 m) or more, and crews were inexperienced in shore bombardment. The following day the eight older battleships and 11 cruisers under Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf replaced the fast battleships but were lacking in time and ammunition.
The landings began at 07:00 on 15 June 1944. More than 300 LVTs landed 8,000 Marines on the west coast of Saipan by about 09:00. Eleven fire support ships covered the Marine landings. The naval force consisted of the battleships Tennessee and California. The cruisers were Birmingham and Indianapolis. The destroyers were Norman Scott, Monssen, Colahan, Halsey Powell, Bailey, Robinson and Albert W. Grant. Careful Japanese artillery preparation — placing flags in the lagoon to indicate the range — allowed them to destroy about 20 amphibious tanks, and the Japanese strategically placed barbed wire, artillery, machine gun emplacements, and trenches to maximize the American casualties. However, by nightfall the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions had a beachhead about 6 mi (10 km) wide and 0.5 mi (1 km) deep.The Japanese counter-attacked at night but were repulsed with heavy losses. On 16 June, units of the U.S. Army's 27th Infantry Division landed and advanced on the airfield at Ås Lito (now the location of Saipan International Airport). Again the Japanese counter-attacked at night. On 18 June, Saito abandoned the airfield.
The invasion surprised the Japanese high command, which had been expecting an attack further south. Admiral Soemu Toyoda, commander-in-chief of the Japanese Navy, saw an opportunity to use the A-Go force to attack the U.S. Navy forces around Saipan. On 15 June, he gave the order to attack. But the resulting battle of the Philippine Sea was a disaster for the Imperial Japanese Navy, which lost three aircraft carriers and hundreds of planes. The garrisons of the Marianas would have no hope of resupply or reinforcement.
Without resupply, the battle on Saipan was hopeless for the defenders, but the Japanese were determined to fight to the last man. Saito organized his troops into a line anchored on Mount Tapotchau in the defensible mountainous terrain of central Saipan. The nicknames given by the Americans to the features of the battle — "Hell's Pocket", "Purple Heart Ridge" and "Death Valley" — indicate the severity of the fighting. The Japanese used the many caves in the volcanic landscape to delay the attackers, by hiding during the day and making sorties at night. The Americans gradually developed tactics for clearing the caves by using flamethrower teams supported by artillery and machine guns.
The operation was marred by inter-service controversy when Marine General Holland Smith, unsatisfied with the performance of the 27th Division, relieved its commander, Army Major General Ralph C. Smith. However, General Holland Smith had not inspected the terrain over which the 27th was to advance. Essentially, it was a valley surrounded by hills and cliffs under Japanese control. The 27th took heavy casualties and eventually, under a plan developed by General Ralph Smith and implemented after his relief, had one battalion hold the area while two other battalions successfully flanked the Japanese.
By 7 July, the Japanese had nowhere to retreat. Saito made plans for a final suicidal banzai charge. On the fate of the remaining civilians on the island, Saito said, "There is no longer any distinction between civilians and troops. It would be better for them to join in the attack with bamboo spears than be captured." At dawn, with a group of 12 men carrying a great red flag in the lead, the remaining able-bodied troops — about 3,000 men — charged forward in the final attack. Amazingly, behind them came the wounded, with bandaged heads, crutches, and barely armed. The Japanese surged over the American front lines, engaging both army and Marine units. The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 105th Infantry Regiment were almost destroyed, losing 650 killed and wounded. However, the fierce resistance of these two battalions, as well as that of Headquarters Company, 105th Infantry, and supply elements of 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Artillery Regiment resulted in over 4,300 Japanese killed. For their actions during the 15-hour Japanese attack, three men of the 105th Infantry were awarded the Medal of Honor — all posthumously. Numerous others fought the Japanese until they were overwhelmed by the largest Japanese Banzai attack in the Pacific War.
By 16:15 on 9 July, Admiral Turner announced that Saipan was officially secured. Saito — along with commanders Hirakushi and Igeta — committed suicide in a cave. Also committing suicide at the end of the battle was Vice-Admiral Chuichi Nagumo — the naval commander who led the Japanese carriers at Pearl Harbor and Midway — who had been assigned to Saipan to direct the Japanese naval air forces based there.
In the end, almost the entire garrison of troops on the island — at least 30,000 — died. For the Americans, the victory was the most costly to date in the Pacific War. 2,949 Americans were killed and 10,464 wounded, out of 71,000 who landed. Future Hollywood actor Lee Marvin was among the many American wounded. He was serving with "I" Company, 24th Marine Regiment, when he was shot in the buttocks by Japanese machine gun fire during the assault on Mount Tapochau. He was awarded the Purple Heart and was given a medical discharge with the rank of Private First Class in 1945.

WW2 Japanese tank school, for leaning how drive the tank



WW2 Japanese tank propaganda posters,

[privatepete]

The Model + Addition

I planned to make my Type 97 in service on Saipan in 1944. Many of these tanks had a small platform attached to the lower rear hull to carry extra infantry. I decided to add one to mine since it gives the tank a different look. I will make the frame out of evergreen "L" brackets and used the large pattern aluminum mesh for the platform. I will attached it to the hull using thin rope to tie it on the lower hull brackets and the upper engine deck handles . This was based on photos in the article and ones I copied at the National Archives.

[privatepete]

Well we see what mess I can make of this its been a little while ( we see how shake my hands are ???)

We start with some mods/scratch building.










I liked the mesh so did a bit more.




That all for today off to bed for a rest

[Nev]

Yay back at the bench! Great stuff fella

[privatepete]

Hi Nev thought I would have a bit of a play, got a bit carried away I think

[OneSmallStep1966]

Flipping heck Pete, you've only been home five minutes and already cracking on with this one
Watching along

[privatepete]

Hi Norm that's the trouble with laying in bed the mind wanders and you think of so many things you can build, or maybe it's the drugs I don't know

[Kevthemodeller]

looking good Pete

[privatepete]

HI some work on the lower hull.






The Gun Turret.





A bit of scratch building need on the hatches.







I got a lot done, still on hospital hours awake ever 4 hours time for a nap I think.

[OliveDrab]

Great to have you back building Pete, and your doing a wonderful job too!

[privatepete]

Thanks everyone means a lot

Great to have you back building Pete, and your doing a wonderful job too!

looking good Pete

Flipping heck Pete, you've only been home five minutes and already cracking on with this one
Watching along

Yay back at the bench! Great stuff fella

[OneSmallStep1966]

Some good scratch building going on there

[InitialProduction1]

What an awesome build, I have no idea how I keep missing these great builds,? I've wanted to build a Japanese tank too, I just have way to much to build, if I get a hole cut in my stash I might be able to. Justify a new kit. my wife on the other hand is a hole new story over my kits.

[Lysus]

Glad your hairy sticks are back in action.

[privatepete]

Hi Lysus yes they be back in action soon,I though the GB end in July and put the build in the normal build section ,Paul kindly moved it for me, glad to be back

[privatepete]

This is only a dry fit.


The next part is the rear platform more scratch building.





Test fit.




Some anchor points






Yes it does go up and down

[gustavlekstal]

Wow! Some attention to detail. Really great to watch your skills

[Lysus]

[privatepete]

Hi thanks guys

Wow! Some attention to detail. Really great to watch your skills

[privatepete]

Thanks Norm

Some good scratch building going on there

[privatepete]

Drilled out holes in the jack made levers for the jack.




Will be having a bash at these little fellows next.




I will not be using the ones that came with the tank.(there was only 4 tank crew members)

[Willem]

Back in the game!

Loving the scratch building on display. Serious skills Pete.

[privatepete]

Back in the game!

Loving the scratch building on display. Serious skills Pete.

Hello young Will ,making a mess as usual

[martin57]

great work , nice scratch building , well done to you

[privatepete]

great work , nice scratch building , well done to you

Thanks Martin trying my best

[OneSmallStep1966]

The bottom left figure made me laugh, it looks like he's scratching his nuts

[privatepete]

Yes Norm it took a lot of work to get that pose,I'm glad you spotted it Hawkeye

[Lysus]

The bottom left figure made me laugh, it looks like he's scratching his nuts

War is hell.

[privatepete]

Now these three guys and scratchy nuts as he christened by NORM .







This is where I apologies for hairy stick skills I am very shaky now






I am sorry for the photos

[OneSmallStep1966]

This is where I apologies for hairy stick skills I am very shaky now

Then I'd best start practising the "Shaking" technique because they're a damned sight better than mine

[pourquoi61]

I can not wait to see the end product, it's looking great.

[Lysus]

If that's the result of shaky hands... bro those are spectacular.

[privatepete]

I can not wait to see the end product, it's looking great.

If that's the result of shaky hands... bro those are spectacular.

This is where I apologies for hairy stick skills I am very shaky now

Then I'd best start practising the "Shaking" technique because they're a damned sight better than mine

Hi I'm not exactly sure what the end product is go to look like yet but thanks for looking.

Thank you if you think they are o k, I'm sorry but I think differently ,I know my limitations and its painting, building not to bad painting no it's the cards I've been dealt and I'm crap at cards and I'm not feeling sorry for myself at life.

[privatepete]

This little lot is go on the rear platform with scratchy nuts sit on top.




Made up some straps for the helmets out of doubled over masking tap.






This is the Buddha which will be in the jungle, I attacked with a dremel to make it look old/chipped




This is the very time I have attempted to make any type of tree I watch some videos so here goes.


Cooper wire & masking tap.


My first attempted.



A lot of cuuuuting.









Thank you for looking

[OneSmallStep1966]

Loving those trees I'll have to give that a try one day.

[Lysus]

Pete, you're seriously making me want to build a tropical dio just to try to make trees half as good as those. Fantastic work.

[privatepete]

Pete, you're seriously making me want to build a tropical dio just to try to make trees half as good as those. Fantastic work.

Loving those trees I'll have to give that a try one day.

Its my first go we wil see when they have been painted ,dressed with coconuts but I'm pretty with them.

My next duo will have tree's & WATER that will be a first to.

[AdamLuscombe]

Nice trees, it all looks great so far

[privatepete]

Nice trees, it all looks great so far

Thanks means a lot

[Icemannique]

Nice build. A lot of great details, bike and trees...

[PrivatePublic]

I've got a Ha-Go + Ho-Ni dio I'm on again off again working on and I think I just might have to steal that tree technique, looks really good

[privatepete]

Nice build. A lot of great details, bike and trees...

Thank you, I'm trying to make a bit different from the norm if you see what I mean.

[privatepete]

I've got a Ha-Go + Ho-Ni dio I'm on again off again working on and I think I just might have to steal that tree technique, looks really good

Steal away my friend but keep watching I'v still got coconuts to add ,if it works for you use it ,you will have to post some pic's when you finish so good luck with it

[privatepete]

Not a lot today waiting for clay to dry.

Upper & lower hull together. (will not be using the 2 figures shown)

Added a bit of damage.







Track are very tight,no sag ,and this tank had one of the loosest fitting track on the planet,track over clamps ,in warm water,stretch & repeat.



Now for some paint I'm going to copy the camo pattern from one of the campaign posters (easier for hairy stick work)



Thank you for looking

[Lysus]

You're making me want to try AFV soon.

[privatepete]

You're making me want to try AFV soon.

When you do jump in show me how it's done I haven't got a clue what I'm doing half the time

[pourquoi61]

Starting on a high, this will be a great build.

[thelittleprowler]

Your scratch building is amazing