Figarti Tanks (1 Viewer)

[Harrytheheid]

I often wonder if the oft-expressed opposition to a Pacific range is the fact that ETO collectors might think there not much scope for armour in this theatre. I took these snaps of an old, (and to be honest - not great), K&C release for a different purpose but am putting it here to illustrate that if Figarti were to produce Japanese and American Armour with the “Figarti Touch”, together with a range of figures to both "go with" and to oppose them AFV's, then surely they’d be on a winner.

The other perception that exists, I think, is that endless “green jungles” might in some way be boring. Personally I don’t think so – but that’s just me.
The reconquest of the Philippines certainly saw plenty of urban house-to-house combat, especially in Manila.

Just a few thoughts

Regards
Harry

 

[Louis Badolato]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

I often wonder if the oft-expressed opposition to a Pacific range is the fact that ETO collectors might think there not much scope for armour in this theatre. I took these snaps of an old, (and to be honest - not great), K&C release for a different purpose but am putting it here to illustrate that if Figarti were to produce Japanese and American Armour with the “Figarti Touch”, together with a range of figures to both "go with" and to oppose them AFV's, then surely they’d be on a winner.

The other perception that exists, I think, is that endless “green jungles” might in some way be boring. Personally I don’t think so – but that’s just me.
The reconquest of the Philippines certainly saw plenty of urban house-to-house combat, especially in Manila.

Just a few thoughts

Regards
Harry

Harry,

Figarti made that "Chi Ha" tank - it was the first armored vehicle they made, and it was quite good, at the time the best armored vehicle I had seen made in the hobby.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Harry,

Figarti made that "Chi Ha" tank - it was the first armored vehicle they made, and it was quite good, at the time the best armored vehicle I had seen made in the hobby.

I think Harry is correct that the tank is by K&C - I have that model. It is what originally got me into the Iwo Jima range. I collect mostly armour with enough troops (actually more than originally intended) to round out a scenario. The Japanese armour, artillery, mortars and MGs have a unique 1930s look that is very different from those of the US, Germany (and in many cases Britain ). This equipment was developed in the 1930s and was suitable for their early conquests and opponents, their pinning frontal attack/ flanking maneuvers, and the terrain they fought in.

But Harry, I think the quality of the "Chi Ha" tank, IMO, is as good as the first K&C Afrika Korps Panzer III and IV models. It seems to capture that 1930s look.

If someone made more Japanese armour and artillery I would by them along with some supporting troops. It would be even better if some US armour and artillery adapted for Pacific use ( i.e. flamethrower tank, dozer tank, water carriers, etc.) was made to oppose them.

(Relax Stryker II & Kingtoot - I am not predicting they would be a commercial success - I am just saying I would buy them)

Terry

 

[Louis Badolato]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

I think Harry is correct that the tank is by K&C - I have that model. It is what originally got me into the Iwo Jima range. I collect mostly armour with enough troops (actually more than originally intended) to round out a scenario. The Japanese armour, artillery, mortars and MGs have a unique 1930s look that is very different from those of the US, Germany (and in many cases Britain ). This equipment was developed in the 1930s and was suitable for their early conquests and opponents, their pinning frontal attack/ flanking maneuvers, and the terrain they fought in.

But Harry, I think the quality of the "Chi Ha" tank, IMO, is as good as the first K&C Afrika Korps Panzer III and IV models. It seems to capture that 1930s look.

If someone made more Japanese armour and artillery I would by them along with some supporting troops. It would be even better if some US armour and artillery adapted for Pacific use ( i.e. flamethrower tank, dozer tank, water carriers, etc.) was made to oppose them.

(Relax Stryker II & Kingtoot - I am not predicting they would be a commercial success - I am just saying I would buy them)

Terry

Terry,

I was not saying that the tank Harry depicted was the Figarti tank, it is clearly the K&C version. I was merely pointing out that Figarti made that same tank (in 2005 if I remember correctly), and that it was the first armored vehicle they released.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Terry,

I was not saying that the tank Harry depicted was the Figarti tank, it is clearly the K&C version. I was merely pointing out that Figarti made that same tank (in 2005 if I remember correctly), and that it was the first armored vehicle they released.

Sorry Louis. I misunderstood>

 

[Harrytheheid]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Excuse me chaps - far be it for me to proclaim blasthemy, but I think I'm entitled to state that atank I bought, with my money, is in my opinion - not great; please note that I didn't say it is rubbish, although to be honest, that is what it's close to. Fact is, if it was a German tank, I probably wouldn't have purchased it because it's not very good quality at all. Am I not allowed to say that's my opinion of the thing just because its made by K&C...??? Shock - Horror, the very thought that a K&C tank might be something less than perfect must be enough to make grown men swoon - or something.
It's in my collection simply because it's one of the very few Japanese tanks I've been able to get my hands on. In actual fact its the only Japanese tank I've been able to get my hands on - so far.
Once it dawns on WWII collectors who seem to blindly acquiece to the perceived wisdom that "Pacific doesn't sell", that there's a whole disparate catalogue of interesting battles, equipment, uniforms, AFV's, etc. connected with the struggle against Imperial Japan, then the various manufacturers might latch onto the fact that perceived wisdom sometimes - isn't. Especially when it's trotted out time after time after time by the same mouthpieces.
And once we start getting the opportunity to buy better quality Pacific war items, hopefully Japanese and Allied tanks from Figarti - I do assure you, I'll be dumping that K&C tank which really - isn't great.

Rgds
Harry

 

[Louis Badolato]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Excuse me chaps - far be it for me to proclaim blasthemy, but I think I'm entitled to state that atank I bought, with my money, is in my opinion - not great; please note that I didn't say it is rubbish, although to be honest, that is what it's close to. Fact is, if it was a German tank, I probably wouldn't have purchased it because it's not very good quality at all. Am I not allowed to say that's my opinion of the thing just because its made by K&C...??? Shock - Horror, the very thought that a K&C tank might be something less than perfect must be enough to make grown men swoon - or something.
It's in my collection simply because it's one of the very few Japanese tanks I've been able to get my hands on. In actual fact its the only Japanese tank I've been able to get my hands on - so far.
Once it dawns on WWII collectors who seem to blindly acquiece to the perceived wisdom that "Pacific doesn't sell", that there's a whole disparate catalogue of interesting battles, equipment, uniforms, AFV's, etc. connected with the struggle against Imperial Japan, then the various manufacturers might latch onto the fact that perceived wisdom sometimes - isn't. Especially when it's trotted out time after time after time by the same mouthpieces.
And once we start getting the opportunity to buy better quality Pacific war items, hopefully Japanese and Allied tanks from Figarti - I do assure you, I'll be dumping that K&C tank which really - isn't great.

Rgds
Harry

Harry,

I happen to agree that K&C's Chi Ha is far from their best effort. I was not commenting about the K&C model at all, I was informing you that Figarti made an excellent version of this tank, the first armored vehicle they made, and in my opinion, one of the best. The Figarti version has well over 100 parts, including individally linked tracks, and is mostly metal with a polystone body. The turret hatches are hinged and open and close, and the gun traverses. When I saw this tank at the (I think) 2004 Chicago Show, I was really impressed, and immediately ordered one. If you can find one, I highly recommend it, it is a fantastic model.

 

[Rob]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Harry,

I happen to agree that K&C's Chi Ha is far from their best effort. I was not commenting about the K&C model at all, I was informing you that Figarti made an excellent version of this tank, the first armored vehicle they made, and in my opinion, one of the best. The Figarti version has well over 100 parts, including individally linked tracks, and is mostly metal with a polystone body. The turret hatches are hinged and open and close, and the gun traverses. When I saw this tank at the (I think) 2004 Chicago Show, I was really impressed, and immediately ordered one. If you can find one, I highly recommend it, it is a fantastic model.

I agree,its not their best but their Tanks have come on leaps and bounds since then and are now right up there with the best.Figarti are also making some superb Armour,both the Grants are great examples of this.I think right now its very close between Figarti and K&C as to who makes the best Tanks,i think a lot of people have this view too.

Rob

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Harry,

I happen to agree that K&C's Chi Ha is far from their best effort. I was not commenting about the K&C model at all, I was informing you that Figarti made an excellent version of this tank, the first armored vehicle they made, and in my opinion, one of the best. The Figarti version has well over 100 parts, including individally linked tracks, and is mostly metal with a polystone body. The turret hatches are hinged and open and close, and the gun traverses. When I saw this tank at the (I think) 2004 Chicago Show, I was really impressed, and immediately ordered one. If you can find one, I highly recommend it, it is a fantastic model.

I did not know Figarti made a Chi Ha tank. Do you have any photos? I assume you have the tank model.

And I was not saying that the K&C Chi-Ha tank was a good quality model - I just thought it to be on par with the early K&C AK Panzer III and IV. Besides, it too is the only piece of Japanese armour I have.

Terry

 

[Louis Badolato]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

I did not know Figarti made a Chi Ha tank. Do you have any photos? I assume you have the tank model.

Terry

I have to take some photos to be posted of several items, including a bunch of Heco items I just obtained, so I will have to take a photo of the Figarti Chi Ha as well.

 

[jazzeum]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Figarti tanks are really superb. I don't think anyone (even Figarti) can come close to their Tiger tanks (1/32 scale notwithstanding) and every one I have of theirs is amazing but the one drawback is they are very fragile. However, very impressive nonetheless.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

I have to take some photos to be posted of several items, including a bunch of Heco items I just obtained, so I will have to take a photo of the Figarti Chi Ha as well.

I found some photos on the net. Tank looks good especially the track and wheels. I would love to have one but a Figarti note says only 90 were made. It also says that you were impressed with the model enough to make it your first Figarti purchase.

Terry

 

[Rob]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Very nice,great little Tank.

Rob

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

I found some photos on the net. Tank looks good especially the track and wheels. I would love to have one but a Figarti note says only 90 were made. It also says that you were impressed with the model enough to make it your first Figarti purchase.

Terry

The Figarti Chi-Ha is 1/32 scale. I wonder how it would match up in size with the K&C model which may be old enough to be at a "small" 1/30 scale?

Terry

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Found a K&C Chi-ha tank "on sale" at an expensive price. http://metalsofhonor.estoreadvanced.biz/index.php?p=product&id=799&parent=6

I wonder what the Figarti model would cost - if you could even find one?

Terry

 

[Stryker II]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Hey guys: to be honest about this, I never knew either one of these tanks existed! They both look nice, Figarti's version seems to be more detailed, but with the state of things in the Pacific, I would take either one of them. I think Harry is absolutely right, more armor more supporting troops on both sides=HAPPY COLLECTORS!!!!

I would love to see a Marine sherman and a flame throwing version being attacked by a squad of fanatical Jap defenders, with some Marine riflemen and a RADIOMAN walking around and behind the tanks. An early sherman could be used at Tarawa and the later ones used at most of the other islands. I know I would have to buy 2 early ones to get both famous tanks Colorado and China Gal for Tarawa...................Stryker

P.S. there were tank battles at Saipan and Okinawa. I would venture to say that the army ran into some with the recapture of the Phillapenes..............

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Hey guys: to be honest about this, I never knew either one of these tanks existed! They both look nice, Figarti's version seems to be more detailed, but with the state of things in the Pacific, I would take either one of them. I think Harry is absolutely right, more armor more supporting troops on both sides=HAPPY COLLECTORS!!!!

I would love to see a Marine sherman and a flame throwing version being attacked by a squad of fanatical Jap defenders, with some Marine riflemen and a RADIOMAN walking around and behind the tanks. An early sherman could be used at Tarawa and the later ones used at most of the other islands. I know I would have to buy 2 early ones to get both famous tanks Colorado and China Gal for Tarawa...................Stryker

P.S. there were tank battles at Saipan and Okinawa. I would venture to say that the army ran into some with the recapture of the Phillapenes..............

Here is a site that has sketches of many of the Japanese AFVs. http://ww2drawings.jexiste.fr/Files/1-Vehicles/Axis/3-Japan/Japanese-Armor.htm

Note that many were produced in very small numbers and some never did go into production. Note the Russian influence on the heavy tanks with their multiple turrets. Note the German and Italian influence on several of the self propelled guns.

Terry

 

[Louis Badolato]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Here is a site that has sketches of many of the Japanese AFVs. http://ww2drawings.jexiste.fr/Files/1-Vehicles/Axis/3-Japan/Japanese-Armor.htm

Note that many were produced in very small numbers and some never did go into production. Note the Russian influence on the heavy tanks with their multiple turrets. Note the German and Italian influence on several of the self propelled guns.

Terry

Very cool drawings of the Japanese Tanks and Self-propelled guns. I especially liked the amphibious tanks. Did any of those ever see service? If so, that would be a fantastic subject for Figarti to address.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Very cool drawings of the Japanese Tanks and Self-propelled guns. I especially liked the amphibious tanks. Did any of those ever see service? If so, that would be a fantastic subject for Figarti to address.

Some of the AFVs were prototypes, either superceded by better designs before they went into production or late in the war, prototypes that they could not produce (lack of resources). One of the late war modern looking tanks (Type 3 Chi-Nu 75 mm gun) was produced for home island defence against the US invasion - it was stationed only in Japan and obviously never saw combat.

In other cases, the production runs were very small - in the hundreds.

Many did see combat, some in small numbers. But don't forget how AFVs were used in the Pacific. They were used on a small scale mainly as infantry support.

I am researching more details of Japanese AFVs (production numbers, service details etc.) but the records are scattered, difficult to read, and often are contradictory or have information missing. Only a few of the tanks, self propelled guns, halftrack and armored car had relatively large production runs and were extensively used. The most common large scale useage was against poorly armed, indigenous populations in Manchuria, Korea, China and the Philippines. One of the 2 man tankettes equipped with a single machine gun, had armour so thin, a rifle bullet could penetrate it. Aside from the Philippines, it is unlikely the US would have come up against many of the AFVs.

Terry

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Re: Wake Island - Japanese "Special Naval Landing Forces"

Very cool drawings of the Japanese Tanks and Self-propelled guns. I especially liked the amphibious tanks. Did any of those ever see service? If so, that would be a fantastic subject for Figarti to address.

Yes the amphibious tanks were used in combat. Beginning in 1942, 184 units of the Type 2 Ka-Mi were built, based on the Army's Type 95 Ha-Go light tank, but this was too late to be used in its original design mission of amphibious landings. Many of these tanks were assigned to naval garrison detachments on islands. They fought against the Marines at the Marshall Islands, the Mariana Islands, and Guam, but mainly from static positions.The tanks were used on Saipan, New Ireland, Rabaul and the Philippines. In October 1944 the 101st SNLF started an amphibious assault on Leyte causing confusion among the US troops after landing behind their lines.

19 or 20 Type 3 Ka-Chi's were built from 1943 to 1945 based on the Army's Type 1 Chi-He medium tank. It could be submarine launched and was used for reinforcing isolated island garrisons. Some of the Type 3 fought at the Battle of Kwajalein in 1944 and on Leyte in October 1944.

The Type 4 amphibious transport Ka-Tsu could carry 8 soldiers or be used as armoured transport, small attack vessel equipped with two Long Lance torpedoes or air defence vehicle with two type 96 25 mm aa-guns. It could be submarine launched. About 100 were built in 1944/45 and mainly used as supply vehicles transported by subs to cut-off islands.

The Type 5 amphibious tank To-Ku was only in the planning stage. No protoypes were ever built.

Terry