Panzerjaeger66

The Type 97 Chi-Ha was the second most built japanese tank in WW II (besides light Type 95 Ha-Go).The initial version used the short 57mm gun, that couldn’t deal with enemy tanks. Therefore a new, longer gun (caliber 47mm) was developed and mounted 1942 - 1943 in a redesigned turret. This type was designated Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha and was built in 930 numbers.
Starting the report with some design development:












The kit:Again, this kit is a cooperation of Christian Ludwig and me.


…to be continued…

Panther F

You have my attention. I like the Ha-Go but this is interesting!

Panzerjaeger66

Starting the built with the lower hull…









After these steps the lower hull (without bogies) is roughly done, means switching to the upper hull. A rack is needed for the different angle plates. Additionally the upper hull is asymmetrical.





So far … so good

Greets
Freddy

Panzerjaeger66

Starting the built with the lower hull…









After these steps the lower hull (without bogies) is roughly done, means switching to the upper hull. A rack is needed for the different angle plates. Additionally the upper hull is asymmetrical.





So far … so good

Greets
Freddy

edoubleaz

My Feedback: (1)

My USMC Sherman is waiting eagerly to meet you......

Panzerjaeger66

Next task is the running gear. The links are made of 2x2mm and 3mm aluminum.



…with limiting stop bolts.





All parts of the running gear:











some detailed pics:



Idler wheel parts…



…and tension adjustment happens with the backside screw.





Cheers,
Freddy

Panzerjaeger66

Next task is the running gear. The links are made of 2x2mm and 3mm aluminum.



…with limiting stop bolts.





All parts of the running gear:











some detailed pics:



Idler wheel parts…



…and tension adjustment happens with the backside screw.





Cheers,
Freddy

Panzerjaeger66

I don´t know why my posts mostly are doubled...

Panther F

This is looking close to being finished... very soon!

Any plans for optional turrets (like the Chi-Ha) for this chassis later on?

Panzerjaeger66

Uh, this tank is far from finishing - give me some more time; I guess it´ll be ready this spring
Why not also a converted Chi-Ha? It´s depending on the interest at the market, but should be no big deal.

Panzerjaeger66

Some little work is done at the upper hull, i.e. gear / driver hatches and front MG ball mount…







…and hatches at the backside.





Freddy

MAUS45

Nice progress.

Panzerjaeger66

There are no „standard“ gears available, that fits in the tiny front hull, so only one way is possible: to build customized ones.Size 25mm gear motors are used; they are strong enough for this lightweight tank.
The housing is made of glued 3mm aluminum sheets:




All parts of the gears…



…and mounted:



Originally I plan to use Pz. III return rollers…

…but then switched to scale printed roller mountings and using the smaller early Pz. IV return rollers…




…and Pz. III metall tracks which were cutted on each side to get overall track width of 19mm.







I think it´s looking well





Freddy

Panther F

Now, to acquire a Mitsubishi SA12200VD air-cooled V-12 diesel sound!

MAUS45

Tracks and lower hull looks great!!!

Panzerjaeger66

It looks like that the early turret will be available later on too, because there's some interest at the market, despite not being finished with the prototype
Freddy

Panther F

THAT'S good news, since that chassis was used the most. I wouldn't mind seeing a few open turret kits too, like for the Type 1 or the Type 3 HONI-III tank destroyer. AFV's with detailed breach and figures visible is always appealing.

MAUS45

How long did it take to cut the tracks?

Panzerjaeger66

about 2 hours at the milling machine (had to cut every single link) and 3 - 4 hours of cleaning the edges with a grinder, but it´s worthwhile

Panther F

Lot's of man hours.

Will those be an option or included as part of the kit?

Panzerjaeger66

That´s why is called modelling or model making ... I´m kidding
I guess this will be only an option - if ever...

But if you compare the picture it´s not that bad with no reworked Pz. III tracks:

Panther F

Sure & thanks. (ha ha) I say that a lot too! But I just didn't want to misunderstand because that it IS a lot of work... and most of us DON'T have a milling machine so getting that part of the kit clear was important.

Panzerjaeger66

Some deposits before Christmas

Accessoires at the hull. Parts for left/right muffler…







…bin at the backside…





…tow lug and head lamp.

Panzerjaeger66

I know; I was lucky about getting one set of tracks, but it´s impossible to get more
Another solution maybe with a Proxxon, but means much more intense work...

Panzerjaeger66

Next step: the turret.
These are the main parts of the turret:



Building at first a rack…



…for mounting the mantlet.







The gun have to be mounted from the inside, fixing with some plastic Sheets.



Accessoires at the backside of the turret:









Finishing the turret with the roof and commanders cupola.









That means, the kit of the Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha is ready built, but needs a lot of bolts, hinges and handholds…