Imperial Japanese Army Type 89 I-Go Medium Tank Otsu (loaded)

The Type 89 tank, the first official tank in Japan, was originally equipped with a gasoline engine, but in preparation for operation on the continent, where water is difficult to secure, it was converted to an air-cooled diesel engine, which requires no cooling water, improves fuel efficiency, and can reduce the risk of the tank body catching fire due to fuel leaks, etc. The type with this engine is called “Otsu type,” and the type with the gasoline engine up to that time was called “Ko type.” In this kit, the differences such as the refueling port on the upper surface of the body, which is a characteristic of the Otsu, are reproduced in detail. In addition, plastic parts are used to model the luggage wrapped in a sheet placed on the rear deck of the tank, a technique which is often seen in photos from that era, making it easy to create a good diorama-type scene. The anti-aircraft machine gun can be mounted in the firing or stowed position. The track belt is made of flexible plastic and the muffler cover is photo-etched metal.