Tamiya 1/35th Japanese Medium Tank Type 97 Step By Step Full Build

Tamiya 1/35th Japanese Medium Tank Type 97 Step By Step Full Build

Here is my full build of the Tamiya Japanese Type 97 Tank. This was actually purchased for a group build. Turns out I don’t enjoy group builds. I guess it puts too much pressure on something that is supposed to be fun. That being said after a year I have the Scale Model Tank Built And Completed.

Building The Tamiya Japanese Type 97 Tank

Made A Start On The Type 97 Tank From Tamiya
Made A Start On The Type 97 Tank From Tamiya.

Out of the box, it is going to be quite a simple build, I have the photo-etch parts for this kit but I have decided not to use them. The one thing I noticed that for such an old kit it is exceptionally detailed. Check out my full review HERE

Starting Work On The Tamiya 35th Scale Type 97.
Starting Work On The Type 97.
The Springs In This Model Kit Need A Lot Of Cleaning Work
The Springs Need A Lot Of Cleaning Work.
The Hull Of The Type 97 Coming Together
The Hull Of The Type 97 Coming Together.

As you can see this model is coming together quite nicely and quite quickly. Without a doubt, there is room for some up detailing. All that is left is the turret, a lot of rivets and a lot more details.

Putting Together The Turret On The Type 97 Japanese Tank
Putting Together The Turret On The Type 97 Japanese Tank.
the Completed Tank Turret Ready For Painting
the Completed Tank Turret Ready For Painting.

Painting And Weathering The Tamiya Japanese Type 97 Tank

First Coat Of Paint On The Type 97 Wheels And Track Parts
First Coat Of Paint On The Type 97 Wheels And Track Parts.
The Tank Wheels After Some Hand Painting
The Tank Wheels After Some Hand Painting.
Painted The Turret And Hull Of The Tamiya 1/35th Scale Type 97
Painted The Turret And Hull Of The Tamiya 1/35th Scale Type 97.

Painting has been quite quick with this guy. The camouflage I sprayed with the airbrush but the yellow lines I decided to brush paint as I felt that would be more realistic.

Close up On The Rear Of The Type 97 Model Tank Kit
Close up On The Rear Of The Type 97 Model Tank Kit.
Some Of The Light Weathering On The Rear Of The Japanese Tank Model
Some Of The Light Weathering On The Rear Of The Japanese Tank Model.

A bit of light weathering to highlight the rivets as well as some hand painted chipping. I have fitted the handrail to the turret and now to give a pin wash.

A Heavy Rust Wash Applied To The Edges Of The Panels
Applied A Dark Wash As A Filter All Over The Scale Model Tank.
Decals Applied And Gloss Varnish Before I Start Weathering The Model
Decals Applied And Gloss Varnish Before I Start Weathering The Model.

Now the pin wash has been cleaned you can really see the rivets on the tank popping out. Next to apply some pigments and I’m trying out some pigment fixer to create some built up up.

Added Pigments To The Tamiya Type 97 Model Tank
Added Pigments To The Tamiya Type 97 Model Tank.
I Used Pigments And Pigment Fixer To Recreate Caked On Mud
I Used Pigments And Pigment Fixer To Recreate Caked On Mud.

I have to say that I’m very happy with the result I have got from the pigments and fixer so I’m going to call this one done.

My Completed Tamiya Japanese Medium Tank Type 97

Tamiya Japanese Type 97 Tank

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE TAMIYA JAPANESE MEDIUM TANK TYPE 97 CHI-HA