Type 94 tankette (Japanese)

Description

The Type 94 tankette was a small armoured vehicle used by the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II. Designed in 1932, it fulfilled a need for a vehicle that could perform reconnaissance, infantry support and transport roles.

Based on the British Carden-Loyd Mk VI tankette, which Japan had imported in the 1930s, the Type 94 had a more powerful engine and larger body than the original MkVI. It also had a turret with a 6.5mm Type 91 machine gun, which could be replaced by a 37mm Type 94 gun in later models. The Type 94 had a crew of two: a commander and a driver.

The Type 94 saw action in various fronts of World War II, including China, Mongolia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. It was effective against poorly equipped Chinese forces, but faced difficulties against Soviet tanks and anti-tank guns at Nomonhan in 1939. It also suffered from thin armor, which could be penetrated by heavy machine guns and high-explosive rounds. The Type 94 tankette was gradually replaced by the Type 97 Te-Ke tankette, which had a better gun and armor.

In addition to a direct combat role, the Type 94 was also adapted for chemical warfare. Two variants; the “Disinfecting Vehicle” and “Gas Scattering Vehicle” saw development soon after the initial introduction of the Type 94. The “Disinfecting Vehicle” towed a trailer that scattering bleaching powder designed to counterattack a chemical attack, and the “Gas Scattering Vehicle” had a trailer than dispensed a mustard gas type compound.

The Type 94 tankette was one of the most numerous armored vehicles of the Imperial Japanese Army, with over 800 units produced between 1935 and 1937. It was also exported to some of Japan’s allies, such as Manchukuo and China. It was a versatile vehicle that could perform various tasks, but it was also vulnerable to modern weapons and tactics.

Scale: 28mm / 1:56, 20mm / 1:72, 15mm / 1:100
Model: Type 94 tankette
Country/Army: Japanese (IJA)
Suitable for: Bolt Action, Flames of War, Chain of Command, Rapid Fire, Iron Cross, Combat Patrol and many others!

Material: UV Cured resin

Item takes paint well once primed. Larger models may be hollow printed. Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Some additional finishing may be required during assembly. Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown.

Original file by: TigerAce1945 (vehicle), Studio Grozny (Crew)
Painting by: MarDav Miniatures

*****photos and dimensions are at 28mm unless noted otherwise*****