Rex Ross

I gotta give Strato50 the credit for the inspiration to do this project.


Upon seeing the thread of his Type 3 Chi-Nu p[roject, I finally got inspired to build a Japanese tank for my own collection that I've wanted to do for years. I picked the Type 5 Chi Ri because only one was built, and it never got finished because the war ended. The suspension was interesting to me, as was the rear exhaust muffler and upper hull turret, which show the influence of German tank designs. It had an 88mm main gun, a 37mm secondary gun and was intended to defend the Japanese mainland when invaded by the Allies. Also, the jungle camo paint scheme was something I wanted to try to do ...... I'm not real sure about how this paint job turned out ..... any comments, suggestions or advice about the paint? I have also considered painting it Panzer Grey ..... it looks more German than Japanese to me!


One of the reasons I had for building this particular tank was because it was an obscure prototype, I would be the only kid on the block to have this particular model (I think). It will be basic R/C if and when my budget allows.


This is going to be my last build for a time. I have 8 projects that are finished, except for paint, and I want to catch up on those. One a month is my schedule right now.


I took a bunch of WIP photos (50) but I really don't see any point in posting those since this project is done and the paint is dry. For some reason I just can't get organized for posting a timely build thread. Maybe I'll do a backwards build thread just for fun. I need a time machine.....

Stince

I love it Rex! Outstanding work as usual.

My only question is the purple tow cable, are you sure it was that shade?

Captain Nemo12

Awesome!!

Rex Ross

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I bet myself $5 that that I would not get away with that "oversight"...... Actually that is a black cord used to lace up work boots. I will try to do a slightly rusty steel finish to correct that "oversight". I like that word better than "mistake".

Stince

No worries! I just thought you were getting artistic with a splash of colour.

Strato50

Rex once again some very awesome work here. The Chi Ri stands out like a barn on fire in the World of Tanks video game, but you can play it and it`s fun.

That turret is huge and the asymmetrical look coupled with that cheek machine gun just makes it look menacing.

Not sure if I ever mentioned this but I like how the Japanese finally came up with a tank with more than one escape hatch for the crew. The Chi Nu has the cupula hatch and the ammo loading hatch next to it... and that`s it!

Very impressed.

Roughly how big is it anyway?

Rex Ross

Roughly how big is it anyway?[/QUOTE]

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I got the dimensional specs for the Type 5 Chi Ri from this website...........

http://ww2drawings.jexiste.fr/Files/1-Vehicles/Axis/3-Japan/02-MediumTanks/Type5/Data/Chi-Ri.htm


Then I did a Google search and found a line drawing that I copied and printed. After I figured out what scale that printed drawing was I took it to the FedEx store and had it enlarged to 1/16. That's what I used to try to build as close as possible to an accurate scale. As close as I can figure , my1/16 project came to within a few scale inches of the real 1:1 scale tank.


Here's the actual real life measurements of my 1/16 scale model, which are as accurate as I can measure.


Overall length with gun. 20.5 inches (should be 20.84)
Length, no gun overhang. 18.0 inches (................17.96)
Width, 7.5 inches ( ................7.50)
High, 7.6 inches (.................7.62)

Buckeye36

My Feedback: (3)

Great work as usual Rex.

Airbrushler

that is really cool looking, Amazing work Rex Ross

Rex Ross

Here are some "reverse work in progress" photos of the suspension. There were a lot of parts that had to be made to build the 8 twin road wheel assemblies (32 wheels). Very tedious work ...... a real pain.

YHR

Looks great Rex. You have a real diverse collection of armor to be proud of.


Cheers

Rex Ross

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Thanks Dan, I have to admit that I really am proud of the models that I have scratch built over the years. I have always been drawn to tanks that were not available as RTRs or kits. I wanted models that were unusual or different .....tanks that nobody else had (at least on the block where I live).

Here's most of my stuff. It needs updating. Only 72 of my 80 scratch builts or modifications are shown ....LOL



http://s288.photobucket.com/user/kellys_heroes/slideshow/Members%20albums/Rex%20Ross/?albumview=slideshow

Rex

Strato50

The wheels and suspension are perfect. I see some sort of plastic sheet, but what do you make the wheels out of and does the suspension travel?

Rex Ross

[QUOTE=Strato50;11733302]The wheels and suspension are perfect. I see some sort of plastic sheet, but what do you make the wheels out of and does the suspension travel?[/QUOTE)

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I thought I posted my answer to your question yesterday but I guess I did something wrong and it didn't get posted. ?????? Anyhow, the plastic is 1/16th inch thick styrene sheet that I used to make the frames for the road wheels. The road wheels are cast resin. I had a latex mold from a previous project that was real close to what I needed on this tank. The mold had 4 impressions in it and that made it not too bad for making the 32 road wheels. The suspension works ok for a model that is doomed to end up as a static shelf queen, but it wouldn't last long in the dirt.