Arguably the best tank produced by the Japanese during WWII, the up-gunned ShinHoTo variant of the ubiquitous Type 97 Chi-Ha tank saw extensive service against the British Commonwealth and American forces as well as against the Russians in the conflict in Manchuria during 1945.
Arguably the best tank made by the Japanese during WWII up until 1945, the ShinHoTo was an upgrade to the original Chi-Ha tank. The term ShinHoTo means ‘new turret’ as this is effectively the biggest change from the original, mounting a high-velocity 47mm gun.
Debuting during the fighting on Corregidor Island in the Phillipines during 1942, the ShinHoTo Chi-Ha, with it’s more deadly gun was more able to stand against the Allied tanks – something the original incarnation of the Chi-Ha struggled with on account of it’s less powerful main gun.
These light tanks were used with dash and daring and surprised the British by appearing in areas where they did not believe tanks could be used, the wet jungle proving no obstacle to them.
We’ve now received our original Chi-Ha back from the talented hands of painter Andres Amian Fernandez – take a look at this mud-caked beauty…
There are more Japanese vehicles on the way but that can wait for another time…
Dan Hewitson
Tom Mecredy
Craig Nixon