Type 2 Ka-Mi –Japanese Amphibious Tank

About the Type 2 Ka-Mi – Japanese Amphibious Tank:

 

While converting a tank into a boat might seem implausible, for the island nation of Japan, the concept had potential to give them a strategic advantage. To develop the Type 2 Ka-Mi, the engine, transmission, chassis, and drivetrain from a Type 95 Ha-Go tank were kept, but the turret and hull were overhauled. Plates forming the hull were welded rather than riveted together, and rubber liners were added to form pontoons. The pontoons were then sectioned off, so if hit by enemy fire, the crew could internally jettison the individual pontoon. The power train was adjusted so the driver could switch between propellers or tracks. Additionally, an exhaust pipe stuck up vertically so the engine would not flood. Other amphibious enhancements included a bilge pump and drain holes in the road wheels. The turret contained a 37mm Type 1 anti-tank gun as well as a coaxial Type 97 machine gun. A second machine gun protruded from the front hull.

 

The Type 2 was a specialty tank, so many of the parts were hand-made, therefore making mass production fickle. By the time it saw service, Japan was defending islands, rather than taking them. The Ka-Mi was primarily used for infantry support and as moving pillboxes. However, when up against Allied armor, they didn’t stand a chance.

 

 

Specifications:

 

Weight 12.3 tons

Crew: 5

Armor: 6–12 mm (1/2 in) thick

Armament: 1x 37 mm tank gun, 2x Type 97 7.7 mm machine guns

Engine: 6-cylinder diesel 115 hp (84.6 kW)

Speed: 37 km/h (22 mph) on land, 10 km/h (5 mph) on water

 

Additional information about this Brickmania® custom building kit:

 

Smooth rolling Brickmania® Track Links™, beautiful printed elements, and stickers make this amphibious tank a must for your collection. Spinning propellers, a rotating turret and posable rudders complete the look for this rare and unusual tank model.

 

Model Statistics:

 

Designed by Katya Hodgson

649 elements

1x custom minifig

Additional custom printed elements

Full-color printed building instructions

1/35th scale to match other Brickmania kits

Intermediate Skill Level (4–6 years building experience recommended)

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