Airfix Chi-Ha from the ’70s

Back in the ’70s the only Japanese tank kit I was aware of was the Airfix Chi-Ha. It was the sole vehicle available to complement my Japanese infantry — also by Airfix, of course. When I was still building models in the ’80s, I became aware of Fujimi’s 1/76 line of Japanese tanks, all variations on the Chi-Ha chassis. Once I had done their Type 97 Chi-Ha, their Shinhoto Chi-Ha, and their Ho-Ni self-propelled gun I was up to four Japanese fighting vehicles, and there it stayed for many years.

More recently, Dragon and IBG Models have both produced Chi-Ha tanks and others, which I share here, along with the “originals” that have been in my collection for a long time.

Fujimi 1/76 Ch-Ha

Fujimi 1/76 Shinhoto Chi-Ha

Fujimi 1/76 Ho-Ni

Dragon 1/72 Ke-Nu

Dragon 1/72 Chi-Ha

Airfix 1/76 Chi-Ha

The Dragon Chi-Ha

The Airfix Chi-Ha

IBG Models 1/72 Chi-Nu

Dragon 1/72 Ka-Mi w/pontoons

Dragon 1/72 Ka-Mi w/pontoons

Dragon 1/72 Ka-Mi w/out pontoons