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Tuesday, July 25, 2017 - 03:14 PM UTC
Announced last April, Fine Molds is set to release the first injection-molded kit of this Imperial Japanese Army self-propelled gun.
Inspired by German designs such as the Grille, the Type 4 Ho-Ro was a self-propelled gun that saw limited production and service by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Based on the chassis of the Type 97 Chi-Ha, it mounted the Type 38 15cm howitzer as main armament. Produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, it is estimated that around 12 units were produced. A captured Ho-Ro, believed to be the lone surviving sample, is stored at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia, U.S.A.

Imperial Japanese Army SP Gun Type 4 Ho-Ro (FM 54) is offered as a 1/35 scale kit containing 298 parts. It features an accurately reproduced gun, interior details, ammunition and its boxes that may be modelled opened or closed, as well as link-and-length tracks. Photo-etched parts for the muffler cover and a decal sheet complete the offering. The completed model is 187mm long and 67mm wide. FM 54 is scheduled for release by 28 July.

Background information on the vehicle sourced from Tanks-Encyclopedia.com
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Comments

Great to hear!!
JUL 25, 2017 - 07:14 PM
I think I'll hold onto my Zitader Ho-Ro conversion. Thought I must say I like the tracks better than the rubber band type supplied in the older Type 97 offerings.
JUL 26, 2017 - 01:56 AM
Excellent news. Perhaps Fine Molds could also consider doing some other neglected subjects, such as armoured cars like the Type 91 'So-Mo', or the Type 98 'So-Da' ammunition carrier?
JUL 26, 2017 - 02:42 AM
Exciting subject!
JUL 26, 2017 - 03:57 AM
Does that Type 38 15 cm gun have anything in common with the German Sig 33 15 cm? Except for the breech - the Japanese gun seems to have a screw breech as opposed to the German sliding breech.
JUL 26, 2017 - 03:59 AM
Biggles2 -- the gun was based on a Krupp design. If I understood it correctly an older design ca 1905. Cheers, Tat
JUL 26, 2017 - 04:19 AM
...and Fine Molds needs to do the Type 4 120mm SPG on the Type 95 chassis and the Japanese Navy 120mm SPG on the Type 97 chassis (both done by Yellow Cat but both need a serious re-do)! Throw in there your mention of the 'So_Mo' (kinda looks like a GAZ and/or ZIS based platform)...great choice!! As far as trucks go, add the Isuzu TX40 Type 97 and a Nissan equipped fire and/or water truck. Fine Molds started a good thing with trucks by adding the Type 94...they seriously need to expand that line...
JUL 26, 2017 - 05:34 PM
Give FineMolds some time they have been steadily putting out both Modern and WW 2 Japanese vehicles. I'm sure they will continue to meet our expectations just will have to be on the their time table.
JUL 26, 2017 - 11:14 PM
Was notified this AM that mine is in the post to me from Japan.
JUL 30, 2017 - 09:07 PM
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