Otsu-Gata Light tank (Japanese)

Description

The Otsu-Gata Sensha, also known as the Renault NC in Japanese service, was a light tank used by the Imperial Japanese Army. Developed in the late 1920s, it was based on the French Renault NC-27, an upgraded version of the Renault FT, which is often considered the first modern tank. The Japanese purchased 10 units of the NC-27, which they designated as the Otsu-Gata Sensha, or “Second Model Tank.”

The Otsu-Gata featured a revised running gear with twelve wheels and three large vertical volute springs, providing improved mobility over rough terrain. It was powered by a Renault 62 hp 4-cylinder gasoline engine, later replaced by a 75 hp Mitsubishi engine in Japanese service, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 20 km/h. The tank was armed with either a 37 mm Puteaux SA 18 low-velocity gun or a 7.5 mm Hotchkiss machine gun, and operated by a crew of two: a commander and a driver.

Despite its advanced design for the time, the Otsu-Gata had limitations, including a fragile clutch/brake system and suspension issues. Nevertheless, it played a crucial role in the early development of Japan’s armoured forces and saw service in various conflicts, including the Manchurian Incident and the Second Sino-Japanese War.

• Country/Army: Japanese
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Original Designer: TigerAce1945
• All models are produced under license with the original designer.
• These models are designed for modellers and collectors. They are not toys and are not suitable for children.
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly.
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown due to material availability and differences in batches.
• Photos show 28mm models unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request.
• Models supplied at scales smaller than 20mm may be an alternative design more suitable for small scale prints. These may be sourced from a different designer to the one noted above and the model may differ in details such as lacking camo netting, stowage, having a chunkier weapon barrel, tracks etc.