It’s a bit late to say it, but as this is our first post of 2024 – Happy New Year to all out subscribers!
Those of you who follow our Facebook page will be aware of one of the above releases, but the second is fresh off the painting bench.
We can now offer more varied terrain in the form of a desert settlement, as well as more Japanese vehicles. A little about each is below.
Desert Village
A settlement of adobe, or mud brick, buildings has been a staple of desert life for thousands of years. Dating back to earliest years of permanent human habitation of the Middle East and Africa, adobe buildings have changed little over the years. Thus the buildings seen by Rommel’s and Monty’s forces during WWII could easily be the same as those seen by 19th Century armies or those of the late 20th Century.
This settlement consists of 4 buildings and a series of wall pieces as follows:
1 x Small single storey building with domed roof
1 x Small single storey building with flat roof
1 x Large single storey building with domed roof
1 x Large single storey building with flat roof
1 x Two storey building with domed roof
1 x Two storey building with flat roof
1 x Gate
2 x Wall ends
6 x Straight walls
All buildings are supplied with separate doors, shutters, ladders and canopies. Additionally separate buildings and walls can also be purchased to expand the settlement.
SS-Ki Engineering Tank
An updated model of our existing SS-Ki, this one now has an option for the bridge!
Chi-So armoured carrier
The Type 4 Chi-So was a Japanese armoured carrier of World War II. It was based on the chassis of the Type 4 Chi-To medium tank, which was one of the most advanced Japanese tanks of the war. The Type 4 Chi-So had a crew of seven and could carry either troops or cargo. It also mounted a Type 97 heavy machine gun for self-defence.
Type 94 Truck
The Japanese Type 94 truck was a 6×6 military vehicle that served in various roles during World War II. It was developed in 1934 by Isuzu as part of a program to provide the Imperial Japanese Army with reliable and capable trucks. Unlike its civilian-based predecessors, the Type 94 had a sturdy design and a high clearance that allowed it to traverse rough terrain. It also had an Otsu diesel engine that gave it a speed of up to 60 km/h and a range of 200 km.
Type 94 Tankette
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. 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 that dispensed a mustard gas type compound.
Ho-I SPG
The Type 2 Ho-I was a Japanese tank designed for infantry support during World War II. It was based on the chassis of the Type 1 Chi-He medium tank and armed with a 75 mm Type 99 gun. The gun could fire both high-explosive and armor-piercing shells, making it effective against enemy fortifications and tanks. The Ho-I also had a coaxial 7.7 mm machine gun for anti-infantry defense.
