1/35 Japaneses type 5 medium tank Chi-Ri

The Type 5 Chi-Ri was one of the last tanks produced by the Japanese military during
WWII. The "Chi" stands for the first syllable of the Japanese word for "medium tank" while
"Ri" refers to a character used in the old-style Iroha Japanese syllabary.

During 1943, by looking at the tank battles between Germany and Russia, there was fear that the Chi He and the Chi To could be underpowered by the time they would enter production. At this time, many technological inspections and planning have occurred for the Chi Ri. These included ventilation, transmission, suspension, 550 HP gasoline engine, and easy access to the engine for maintenance. Targeted top speed was 42kph. Improved ventilation was necessary because of the anticipated increased influx of poisonous gas when using the high rate of fire from an auto loading cannon. The main armament would become the Type 5 75mm cannon. It was planned to attach an auto loader to it.

The Chi-Ri was a large tank design fitted with a license-built BMW aircraft engine and
armed with both 57mm and 75mm guns. Only a single example was completed by the end
of the war, and this was taken for evaluation by American forces after WWII.

Model from Tamiya, painted with acrylics paints, washed and pigments from a range of manufactures.