Fine Molds MR05 - 1:35 IJA Tank Destroyer Type 2 Ho-I

Plastic model kit of the Japanese Type 2 Ho-I support tank in 1:35 scale

Fine Molds MR05 is a build-it-yourself model of the Japanese Type 2 Ho-I support tank — a vehicle built on the chassis of the Type 1 Chi-He medium tank, armed with a short-barrelled 75 mm gun. The Ho-I was conceived as a fire-support vehicle, tasked with destroying fortifications and supporting infantry with high-explosive fire, complementing standard tanks armed with smaller-calibre guns.

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 several marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: MR05
• 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 2 Ho-I:

The Type 2 Ho-I was a Japanese support tank developed during the Second World War. It was built on the chassis of the Type 1 Chi-He medium tank, fitted with a turret mounting a short-barrelled 75 mm gun. The design was intended as a fire-support vehicle, able to engage fortifications and support infantry with high-explosive shells.

The short-barrelled 75 mm gun was suited above all to firing at shorter ranges and destroying unarmoured targets and fortifications, complementing standard tanks armed with high-velocity smaller-calibre guns. The crew numbered five.

The Ho-I was built only in small numbers and played no significant combat role — Japanese industry in the second half of the war was unable to start large-scale production. The vehicle remains an interesting example of Japanese design thinking in the field of support tanks.

Original specifications (Type 2 Ho-I):

• Length: approx. 5.73 m
• Width: approx. 2.33 m
• Height: approx. 2.58 m
• Combat weight: approx. 18.8 t
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: short-barrelled 75 mm gun
• Secondary armament: 7.7 mm machine gun
• 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.