IJA Type 97 'Chi-Ha'
Medium Tank Workable Track Set
Vision Models 1:35 Kit #VA9003
Review by Terry Ashley

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Vision Models are certainly varying their subjects with this update set providing a set of IJA Type 97 'Chi-Ha' Medium Tank individual workable track links for the many kits of the IJA AFVs that used the same suspension and track. These include from Finefolds Kit No's FM11, FM12, FM20, FM21, FM24, FM25, FM26, FM27 and FM29 or those from Tamiya Kit No's 30075, 35095 and 35137 with the corresponding box tops shown above.

The kit has the track links cleanly moulded in light grey plastic with 25 sprues of 8 links fer sprue for a total of 200 links. The instructions printed on the back of the box indicate there are 96 links per side for 192 links leaving you 8 spares.

The standard of moulding is very good with only minor flash in one area and no pin marks with the only cleanup required is the sprue attachment points which are quite large in relation to the link size. There is some fine flash in the gap along the side of each link but this will take a fair bit of work to eliminate and is not really that noticeable on the assembled links.

Dimensionally the links match in size perfectly with the 1:35 plans in the Tank Power books listed below and include the open track pin hole and indentations in the track shoe. The only issue is that available references photos of the actual track indicate there should be a rounded point triangular shaped hole in the track guide but this is just an indentation on the kit links.

Sprues 25 x 8 links

Each link includes two small locating pins and corresponding holes (1) like all clip together links sets with assembly being straightforward by slipping one pin onto the next link hole (2) and then carefully clipping the other pin into place (3). You simply repeat the process for all 96 links per side taking care while clipping the pins into place so as not to flattern or break them off in the process.

Assembly of the links as per the text

The assembled track runs articulate freely but are quite fragile in that the locating pins are fairly small and tended to come apart easily with only slight stress during handling, so care will be needed. It may be an idea to run some thin liquid cement along the joins after the track are in place, especially along the lower ground run to ensure the links don't come apart once fitted to the model.

Assembled track runs

Test fitting the track runs to both the Finemolds and Tamiya "Chi-Ha" kit drive sprockets was trouble free with the fit very good and the track sag between the return rollers easily represented, the only issue being the fragile nature of the link joins as mentioned above but providing care is taken there shouldn't be any real problems.

Track fitted to the Finemolds and Tamiya kits


A nicely detailed set of track links with the sprue attachments being the only real cleanup required, the links fit together easily and articulate freely for an excellent set of workable track links for the dozen or so kits using this track. The only issue being the fragile nature of the links that come apart easily if care is not taken.

Highly recommended.

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Tank Power 25 Japanese Armour Vol.5 AJ Press

Thanks to Vision Models for the review kit.