Type 45 240mm howitzer (Japanese)

Description

The Japanese Type 45 240mm howitzer was a formidable siege gun developed by the Imperial Japanese Army and officially adopted in 1912, marking the 45th year of Emperor Meiji’s reign. It was the first heavy artillery piece entirely designed and manufactured in Japan, reflecting the nation’s growing industrial and military capabilities.

The Type 45 featured a hydro-gravity recoil system and an interrupted screw breechblock. It was mounted on a garrison carriage, which allowed for a wide traverse of 240 degrees. The weapon fired semi-fixed ammunition, including high-explosive and armour-piercing shells, with a maximum range of approximately 14 kilometres. The gun’s barrel had to be lowered to a horizontal position for reloading, which slowed its rate of fire. Weighing nearly 38 tonnes when emplaced, the Type 45 required significant effort to transport and assemble, often involving disassembly into ten loads and the use of a crane.

The howitzer saw action during the Siege of Tsingtao in World War I and was later deployed in the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. It was used effectively against heavily fortified positions, such as during the Battle of Bataan and the Battle of Corregidor. Despite its limitations, the Type 45 remains a notable example of early 20th-century Japanese artillery design.

• Model: Type 45 240mm howitzer
• Country/Army: Japanese
• Dimension (mm) (WxLxH): 28mm
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Original Designer: Studio Grozny & TigerAce1945
• 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.
• Photos and dimensions are at 28mm 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 are designed by Bergman or TigerAce1945