Fujimi FJ-76346 Chibimaru Type 97 Chi-Ha 57mm Short-Barrel Turret Special Edition  [FJ-76346]

Fujimi Chibimaru TM-5 EX-1 FJ-76346 - Type 97 Chi-Ha with 57mm short-barrel turret, Special Edition

This small-format Chibimaru plastic build kit represents the Type 97 Chi-Ha fitted with the 57mm short-barrel turret and early bogie, released as a special edition.

The Type 97 Chi-Ha was a Japanese medium tank introduced in the late 1930s and used through the Second World War. Early production vehicles were equipped with a short 57mm gun intended for infantry support; later variants received higher-velocity guns. The Chi-Ha saw service across China and Pacific theatres, with several suspension and turret configurations reflecting evolving tactical requirements.

Kit description and intended use

The kit is issued in Fujimi's Chibimaru line, reduced in scale for compact display and casual collection. This special edition includes separate effect parts to suggest battle damage or motion. Moulding is simplified compared with larger-scale releases to suit the Chibimaru format while retaining the key silhouette and turret characteristics.

Construction notes for modelers

Parts count and assembly complexity are lower than standard larger-scale kits; expect fewer sub-assemblies and no detailed interior. The kit is well suited to builders concentrating on exterior detailing, paintwork, and small diorama scenes. Effect parts attach externally and may need trimming for a neat fit. Decals and exact paint callouts are not specified in the supplied product text and should be verified against the box art or official references.

Display and finishing

Because this subject features the 57mm short-barrel turret and early bogie, attentive spacing of the suspension and correct turret orientation improve visual accuracy. Weathering and basework scaled to the Chibimaru size produce the best tabletop results. The included effect parts combine with basic paint and washes to imply operational context without major modification.

A compact special-edition release that captures the Type 97 Chi-Ha silhouette in Chibimaru scale, ideal for collectors and modelers who prefer small-format builds with optional effect elements for display.