Okay, unless you've been out of touch for some reason, you probably already know that Dragon Models is issuing several anticipated Japanese Army WWII tanks in 1/72 scale. The good news is that the Type 97 Chi-Ha should now be available. But if you were hospitalized, vacation or simply incognito for a couple of months, read on for details.

The Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank was Japan's most widely produced medium tank of WWII. With a 57mm main gun and two Type 97 machine guns, the tank was intended to be an up-scale version of the Type 95 Ha-Go tank (also scheduled for release by Dragon Models). Armor was modest. Later production introduced the 47mm high velocity main gun.

Dragon's kit takes advantage of their slide-mold technology to produce a one piece lower and upper hull as well as hollow barrels and road wheels. Also included are Dragon DS single piece tracks and photo-etched muffler guards.

One bit of good news is that the cupola can be modeled open or closed. The tools are molded on, but promise to be sharply detailed.

- Sharply produced on-vehicle tools
- Hollow exhaust pipe w/photo-etched exhaust cover
- Intricate cooling grill included
- Upper hull w/rivet detail molded on
- Slide-molded lower hull molded w/details
- Realistic 57mm Type 97 gun and two 7.7mm Type 97 MGs included
- Cupola can be assembled open/closed
- Rear hull details accurately produced