Fine Molds MR03 - 1:35 IJA Tankette Type 97 Te-Ke

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the Japanese Type 97 Te-Ke tankette

The Type 97 Te-Ke was a light reconnaissance tankette used by the Imperial Japanese Army from the late 1930s through the Second World War. Designed as an improved successor to earlier small tracked vehicles, it featured a two-man crew and a turret armed with a 37 mm gun. This 1:35 scale kit from Fine Molds allows you to recreate this compact Japanese armored vehicle in detailed miniature form.

• Scale: 1:35
• Model length: approx. 12.0 cm
• Vehicle type: Tanks
• Drive system: Tracked
• Period: World War II
• Country: Japan
• Manufacturer: Fine Molds

The model requires assembly and painting. Once completed, it can become an interesting addition to a collection of Japanese WWII vehicles or a diorama depicting operations in Asia or the Pacific.

Warning: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. Assembly required.

Assembly

The kit includes plastic parts that need to be removed from sprues, cleaned, and carefully assembled. Due to the vehicle’s compact size, special attention should be paid to the suspension and turret during construction. Painting is required according to the selected historical scheme.

Required tools

• Hobby knife or sprue cutters
• Files or sandpaper
• Brushes
• Plastic cement
• Model paints
• Optional cyanoacrylate glue (for metal or resin parts)

About the Type 97 Te-Ke:

The Type 97 Te-Ke was developed in 1937 as a light reconnaissance vehicle for the Imperial Japanese Army’s cavalry and armored units. Compared to earlier designs, it offered improved mobility and was armed with a 37 mm gun. The vehicle saw service in China and during the early campaigns in the Pacific. Its small size and low weight made it easy to transport and operate in difficult terrain, although its thin armor provided limited protection.

Technical data of the original vehicle:

• Length: 4.38 m
• Crew: 2
• Armament: 37 mm gun + machine gun
• Engine: diesel engine, approx. 65 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 40 km/h

About Fine Molds

Fine Molds is a Japanese manufacturer known for producing highly detailed plastic model kits, particularly subjects related to Japanese military history and technology. The company’s range includes vehicles, aircraft, and modeling accessories in various scales.