Tamiya 35331 - 1:35 Japan Type 1 Self-Propelled Gun w/6 Figures

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the Japanese Type 1 self-propelled gun with 6 figures

Tamiya 35331 reproduces the Type 1 Ho-Ni I – a Japanese WWII self-propelled gun providing mobile fire support. The vehicle was created by mounting a 75 mm field gun on a Chi-Ha tank chassis, in an open-top superstructure. In this boxing, the model is combined with a Japanese infantry set, offering six figures in total.

The model captures the armoured chassis, the open-top superstructure with its reproduced 75 mm gun, and the running gear. The kit also includes armour-piercing and high-explosive ammunition. The figures are shown in natural poses, allowing a dynamic combat scene to be built.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the Chi-Ha chassis and open-top superstructure
• 75 mm field gun
• Armour-piercing and high-explosive ammunition
• Vinyl belt tracks
• Six figures with equipment and weapons
• Decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35331
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 170 mm, width: 67 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (self-propelled gun with figures)

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

Building the model:

Thanks to the excellent part fit typical of Tamiya, the model is approachable even for less experienced builders. The open-top superstructure invites painting the interior and gun before final assembly. The figures are best painted separately before being placed on the vehicle and in the scene.

For painting, typical Japanese wartime colours (shades of green and ochre) are recommended, matching the chosen marking option. Military vehicles are usually finished with a matt varnish, and the detail and recesses benefit from a wash and dry-brushing.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Polystyrene cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optionally: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Type 1 Ho-Ni I:

The Type 1 Ho-Ni I is a Japanese self-propelled gun built on the chassis of the Type 97 Chi-Ha tank. A 75 mm field gun was mounted in an open-top superstructure, making the vehicle mobile artillery support and an anti-armour weapon. Production began in 1943, and around 140 examples were built in total.

Many of these guns suffered serious losses during transport to the front in the Philippines, so a large number never entered combat. Those that did see action were rated highly by their opponents – the U.S. forces. The vehicle remains one of the more distinctive Japanese self-propelled guns of WWII.

Original specifications (Type 1 Ho-Ni I):

• Length: approx. 5.9 m
• Width: approx. 2.29 m
• Height: approx. 2.39 m
• Combat weight: approx. 15.4 t
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: 75 mm field gun
• Powerplant: Mitsubishi diesel engine, approx. 170 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 38 km/h
• Chassis: Type 97 Chi-Ha tank
• Production: from 1943, approx. 140 examples

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation to japońska firma modelarska założona w 1946 roku przez Yoshio Tamiyę w mieście Shizuoka, uznawanym za centrum japońskiego przemysłu modelarskiego. Początkowo przedsiębiorstwo zajmowało się handlem drewnem, jednak już od końca lat 40. produkowało drewniane modele, a w 1960 roku wprowadziło na rynek swój pierwszy model plastikowy do sklejania. Dwa lata później zadebiutował kultowy czołg w skali 1:35, który na całym świecie wyznaczył standard skali dla modelarstwa militarnego. Marka słynie z wyjątkowo precyzyjnych form wtryskowych i doskonałego spasowania elementów, dzięki czemu jej zestawy chętnie wybierają zarówno początkujący, jak i doświadczeni modelarze. Seria Military Miniature Series, do której należy ten model, liczy setki pozycji i jest uznawana za jeden z najbardziej kompleksowych katalogów pojazdów militarnych w skali 1:35 na świecie. Oprócz modeli plastikowych Tamiya oferuje pełną gamę akcesoriów modelarskich: farby, kleje, narzędzia i pędzle.