Type 97 Chi Ha

This tank is part of the 3rd Company, 1st tank regiment in the Malay operation which started on December 8th 1941. It was part of the Army's main body that landed at Singora in Thailand as the first landing troops. I painted it in its traditional 3 color camo of dark khaki, dark red brown and dark green. I added the yellow belt which produced the effects of dividing the tank and misleading its direction, size and shape. I weathered it by adding a light khaki chipping at first and then accented with a dark grey. I caked some accumulated brown mud build-up onto the suspension behind the wheels and then covered everything in a burnt umber pigment to simulate the loose dust. Even though there aren't too many WW2 Japanese offerings, Tamiya nailed it out of the park with this kit. Great detail, fit and joy to build. 9/10