well, here is my first attempt at Japenese armor. I built this about 2 months ago but just got my camera back. The sag in the tracks was made with the rod method. well, here they are. 1/35 tamiya Chi-HA early war version.
Nicely done John. Anyway, what’s the rod method?
[:D] I think i might get one of that… any reviews regarding this kit?
Nice work on the camo and the dusting on the suspension.
nice jap model …
good job john… great little kit, isn’t it? you did a great job on that cammo, very well done…
as a note, their cammo patterns included a yellow line running down all four sides but i don’t think it matters… you did a very nice job. i like the weathering and the track sag.
rebelreenactor,
Nice Job.
A couple of observaions.
- The track sag between the 2nd and 3rd return rollers looks excessive. Also there is no sag at the front or back of the tracks (between the drive sprocket and 1st roller or the 3rd roller and the idler).
- A bit more weathering on the upper surfaces might be in order. The top of the hull and turret looks too clean in comparison to the rest of the vehichle.
On the yellow stripe, I think it was used early on but was discontinued at some point, but exactly when I’m not sure.
Other than the two things I’ve mentioned I believe you’ve done a commendable job. Excellent job of the subtle effect of blending your camouflage colors [tup][tup]
Joe[:D]
Nice-looking Type 97!
Good advice from the folks above. As Joe mentioned, there were various camos applied to these vehicles, including solid colors.
Today’s Japanese lesson:
The kanji on the turret is “ryou,” which means “good” or “goodness.”
Thanks for the comments guys! Joe, thanks for the tips. I cant really fix the tracks but I’ll do some weathering near the hatches and rear deck.
geoff, there was one option on the direction sheet that did not have the yellow line. that the one I chose. I am lazy when it comes to airbrushing, I’ll try to find anyway out.[:D]
the rod method is this- Drill small holes where you want track sag. the insert a rod into the holes and the rod will push the tracks down. The key thing is gettin the hole in the right spot.
review of the kit, Overall, great kit with little troubles except for the front plate, I had some trouble with that, but that is all, great decals too. I reccoment this one to all modelers. Great rare subject too!
thanks for looking!
rebelreenactor,
Just a thought on the tracks. Would it be possible to add a touch of super glue to the drive sprockets, idlers and return rollers and push the track down to reproduce the sag?
Joe [:D]
Real good job Jon. I can’t remember who built one many moons ago here and just grumbled about all the extra work he put into it. Yours looks splendid.
I like your weathering. Good job.
Panther 44, thats what i do, i use 50 gallon drums in 1/35 to do the pushing, and i rubber band them in place, depends on the vinyl though
Outstanding build! I really like the dusty, appearance without going to full on mud. Excellent! [tup][tup]
Looking at it, it does make for an interesting, unusual vehicle. Who knows, if I ever knock my build queue down a bit, I may give one a whirl.
Andy
Your tank looks very ‘good’.
Great build John.
We dont see many Chi-HA`s in these parts. Very well done build, and the weathering is just great. However one thing I can see is in the first picture, the track coming off the rear idler wheel seems to be floating onto the return roller.
Just a thought.
[:)]
Edit: Thanks for the Japanese lesson Brian.
thanks guys, Martin, Your right, I’ll fix it with some CA glue.