Fine Molds MR04 - 1:35 IJA Medium Tank Type 1 Chi-He

Plastic model kit of the Japanese Type 1 Chi-He medium tank in 1:35 scale

Fine Molds MR04 is a build-it-yourself model of the Japanese Type 1 Chi-He medium tank — a design based on the Type 97 Chi-Ha and conceived as the new standard tank of the Imperial Japanese Army. Compared with its predecessor, the Chi-He received thicker armour (increased from 25 to 50 mm) of more welded construction, a more powerful engine of about 240 hp, and a more effective 47 mm tank gun.

The model stands out for its precisely engineered tooling and finely reproduced armour texture, typical of Fine Molds kits. The glued plastic tracks allow the characteristic sag of the upper run to be reproduced.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts on sprues with hull, turret and fittings
• Glued plastic tracks that can reproduce sag
• Waterslide decal sheet for seven marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: MR04
• Manufacturer: Fine Molds
• Assembled length: approx. 164 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

With its many fine details and precisely engineered tooling, the model is recommended for modellers with some experience. The glued plastic tracks require patience but allow the sag of the upper run to be faithfully reproduced along the sides of the vehicle. For a typical Japanese scheme, the protective colours of the Imperial Army are recommended (combinations of green, brown and ochre, often in a mottled pattern), and the detail is worth emphasising with a wash. The instructions provide painting suggestions for each variant.

Tools required:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes of various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out detail
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Type 1 Chi-He:

The Type 1 Chi-He was a Japanese medium tank developed during the Second World War as a successor to the widely used Type 97 Chi-Ha. Its design was based on the proven chassis, but the armour and armament were significantly strengthened in response to the growing capabilities of Allied tanks.

The most important changes included increasing the armour thickness to 50 mm, greater use of welding instead of riveting, a more powerful diesel engine and a 47 mm tank gun previously known from late Chi-Ha versions. The crew numbered five.

The Chi-He was built in relatively small numbers, as Japanese industry in the second half of the war prioritised other types of armament. Most of the vehicles produced remained in the home islands, where they were kept ready in case of invasion.

Original specifications (Type 1 Chi-He):

• Length: approx. 5.73 m
• Width: approx. 2.33 m
• Height: approx. 2.42 m
• Combat weight: approx. 17.2 t
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: Type 1 47 mm tank gun
• Secondary armament: 2 × 7.7 mm machine guns
• Powerplant: diesel engine of approx. 240 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 44 km/h
• Armour: up to 50 mm

About the manufacturer – Fine Molds:

Fine Molds is a Japanese model company active since the 1980s, valued for its precise models of Japanese military hardware — above all tanks, aircraft and ships of the Imperial Army and Navy. The brand is renowned for its fidelity and fine tooling detail. Many of its models are based on detailed historical research, evident both in the shape of the vehicles and in the included instructions. Fine Molds kits are popular with modellers specialising in Japanese subjects.