My next project is 1/72 Type 98 Ke-Ni light tank. Designed to replace Ha-Go, this tank never reached mass production. Only 104 was build from 1942 till the end of war.

Why Ke-Ni? Because it is rare. Everyone has Sherman or Panther but WWII Japanese armor mostly unknown.

So what I have now - pics from original manual, simple plan of unknown origin, few poor photos and renders from World of Tanks (WOT model is not accurate enough).



And now project started:



Hull is empty with 1mm thick walls to reduce volume and make print cheaper.



Next episode is hatches, rivets and other small details.

Hull progress:

Well, as you see the hull is finished now. Fenders the next.

Few parts are oversized a little to make it printable and visible after print. Usually 0.2mm embossed/engraved details enough.

Any comments?

It is very interesting to see the CAD design progress from the basics through to the details, I am looking forward to seeing teh finished CAD images and the printed product!

Thank you for your interest, Colin!



Now you can see hull and fenders. I will add few minor details later. And the next stage is turret!

When will we see mixed media 3D printed kits to include turned brass barrels and PE details which cannot be printed successfully?

I don't know now:( But I like this idea.

Terrible news, guys! Just terrible.

This project was started from one picture:



As you see, it's marked Type 98 Ke-Ni.

I've found all pictures (mainly from Japanese sites) looking similar to this tank and go on. But one thing was disturbing - at few photos of Ke-Ni front armor plate and suspension looks different.

Well, I said, let's check spelling. I've checked the manual cover and what I see? Japanese letters means Type 2 Ke-To!



What a shame! Sorry.

And curse on you, Wargaming.net, you are suckers!

Turret is done. Take a look at the antenna just after the top turret hatch. Now it is 0.9 mm thick and I can not make it thinner. Leave it or delete?

Very interesting...
What software are you using?

Personally I would leave turret rail off as it look like a drainpipe, not a hand rail

It's a Rhino 3D software.

Agreed, antenna is too thick.

Roman,

Nice project of an unusual subject.

Depending on who you use, 0.3mm can be achieved. What size do you make your rivets in order to make them visible when printed?

Ian

Ian,

Rivets are 0.4-0.6 mm diameter and 0.2-0.3 high. Usually it is enough.

Roman.

Soon. Very soon.

Just finished!

This project was fun. Started as Ke-Ni, it was ended as Type 2 Ke-To:)

Now I will make separate tracks and turret and finished model will be available today.

A little bit later I'll make a short guide for Shapeways materials and how it looks. Check this topic.

And now few words about printing materials.

3 types of material are very useful for armor:

1. Strong and flexible (White, Black or another color)



Cheap and a little grainy. If you will choose Strong and Flexible Polished and get smooth surface:



2. Acrylic Plastic (white, Black or transparent)



Not so cheap but with nice smooth surface.



3. Frosted Ultra Detail



Expensive material which provides maximal detail level.





That's all!

Model available here: http://shpws.me/Ovvm

Strong and Flexible: $15.82

Acrylic: $27.12

Frosted Ultra Detail: $32.06