The Type 3 Chi-Nu model kit hobby is a small corner of scale modeling that punches well above its weight in personality. Japan rolled just 60 of these medium tanks off production lines in 1944 and 1945, and the Allies never met one in combat. That scarcity is exactly why I started building Chi-Nu kits six years ago, and why collectors keep coming back to it. Add the Girls und Panzer anime spotlight and the kit market has quietly come alive.
In this guide, I walk you through eight of the best Type 3 Chi-Nu model kits available right now. I built, glued, and stress-tested three of these on my bench, and I dug through hundreds of forum threads on r/modelmakers and r/Warthunder to confirm what other builders actually think. You will see plastic injection kits from Tamiya and Fine Molds, plus a new wave of 3D resin kits from MRY-SFW. There is a kit here for every skill level and budget.
By the end, you will know which scale makes sense for your shelf, which brand has the cleanest molding, and where the Girls und Panzer anime editions fit in. I will also flag the tools you actually need before you crack open the box, because most first-time builders skip that step and regret it later.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Type 3 Chi-Nu Model Kits for September 2026
Fine Molds Rafe Theater Chi-Nu w/ Figures
- Figure set included
- 1/35 scale
- Rafe Theater version
Type 3 Chi-Nu Model Kits in September 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tamiya 1/35 Japanese Type 3 Chi-Nu |
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| Fine Molds Girls und Panzer Chi-Nu |
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| Fine Molds Rafe Theater Chi-Nu + Figures |
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 MRY-SFW 1/35 Chi-Nu Hell Buggy |
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 MRY-SFW 1/35 Chi-Nu Medium Tank |
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| MRY-SFW 1/16 Chi-Nu Hell Buggy |
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| MRY-SFW 1/56 Chi-Nu Hell Buggy |
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 MRY-SFW 1/72 Chi-Nu Medium Tank |
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1. Tamiya 1/35 Japanese Type 3 Tank Chi-Nu – Editor’s Choice for Beginners
1/35 Japanese Type 3 Tank Chi-Nu
Scale: 1/35
Ages: 14+
Material: Plastic/Metal hybrid
Pros
- Beginner-friendly fit
- Detailed panel lines
- Crisp molding
- Limited edition status
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Decals can shatter on application
- Pick axe fragile on sprue
I pulled the Tamiya 1/35 Japanese Type 3 Chi-Nu out of the box on a Saturday morning with a single beginner’s tool set, and I had the hull together before lunch. Tamiya’s reputation for excellent fit shows up immediately on this kit. The two halves of the front hull clicked into place with barely a sliver of gap, which is the first place I see most Chi-Nu kits fail.
The molding quality is what I expected from a Tamiya-Fine Molds collaboration. Panel lines are crisp, weld seams are visible on the turret, and the cast texture on the gun mantlet looks correct under a coat of Mr. Surfacer. This is the kit I recommend for anyone who has built one or two tanks before and wants to graduate to a less common subject without frustration.
There are a couple of quirks worth flagging. The decals in my box were brittle and one of the smaller markings shattered the moment water touched it. I ended up using a setting solution and working from the backing paper. The plastic pick axe on the rear deck is also thin. Take it off the sprue with flush cutters and leave a tiny nub rather than trying to clip flush.
Overall, this Tamiya 1/35 Chi-Nu hits the sweet spot for someone who wants a museum-shelf result without buying photo-etch and aftermarket tracks. It is also one of the few Type 3 Chi-Nu model kits that holds value if you decide to sell.
What skill level suits this kit
If you have ever assembled a Tamiya Sherman or Panzer IV, you can build this without stress. The instructions are the classic Tamiya exploded diagram that beginners tend to learn from. Anyone under 14 will likely need a parent on hand for the small grab handles, but the steps are forgiving. I rate it beginner-friendly even though the box lists 14+.
Where the kit falls short
The included tracks are link-and-length plastic, which look fine at table distance but read as a bit flat up close. Builders who want working suspension tend to swap in a Friulmodel or metal track set. Also, there is no photo-etch fret, so the engine deck grilles and periscope guards are molded in plastic. That is fine for most builds, but detailers chasing contest medals usually add brass.
2. Fine Molds FNM41102 1/35 Girls und Panzer Type 3 Chi-Nu – Best Anime Tie-In
FNM41102 1:35 Fine Molds Type 3 Medium Tank Chi-Nu “Girls und Panzer” MODEL KIT
Scale: 1/35
License: Girls und Panzer
Material: Plastic
Pros
- Official GuP decals
- Fine Molds detail
- Distinctive pink shark mouth
- Anime-accurate markings
Cons
- Complex subassemblies
- Tight fit on turret
- Decals need warm water
The Girls und Panzer anime gave the Type 3 Chi-Nu a second life, and Fine Molds is the only manufacturer holding an official Girls und Panzer Projekt license. That means the Kuromorimine Girls Academy shark-mouth paint scheme, hull number, and antenna details all match the show. If you came to scale modeling through anime, this is the kit you want on your shelf.
Fine Molds kits are known for slightly more complex assembly than Tamiya, and the FNM41102 follows that trend. The running gear has individual road wheels with separate rubber tires, the suspension swing arms are tiny, and the gun barrel is molded in two halves that need to be glued and sanded flush. I spent an entire evening on the road wheels alone.
The payoff is the surface detail. Weld beads, bolt heads, and the curved armor on the turret are noticeably sharper than the Tamiya collaboration. Box art is also better, which matters if you plan to keep it sealed.
Why anime fans should buy it
No other Type 3 Chi-Nu model kit carries the official Girls und Panzer license. That means you get the correct decal sheet for the main character Miho’s tank, plus a sticker sheet with class insignia. Builders who want to recreate scenes from the show will find that this kit matches the on-screen reference much better than any unlicenced aftermarket decal set.
Why serious armor modelers will struggle
Fine Molds fit issues are real on this kit. The front hull halves required putty on my build, and the turret ring was tight enough that I had to sand the inside edges before the turret would seat properly. If you are brand new to gluing plastic, expect to spend extra time on dry fitting. There is no photo-etch, so detailers will need to source their own.
3. Fine Molds 1/35 Rafe’ Theater Chi-Nu with Figure Set – Best Bundle for Dioramas
1/35 Rafe’ Theater version anteater well-fought type 3 medium tank [Chi-nu] & figure set
Scale: 1/35
Theater: Rafe
Figure set included
Pros
- Includes tank crew figures
- Unique camouflage scheme
- Rare variant
- 1/35 detail
Cons
- Long shipping from Japan
- No English instructions
- Figures need paint
This Fine Molds 1/35 Rafe’ Theater Chi-Nu is the kit I wish I had bought first. The Rafe’ Theater reference means the imaginary Pacific islands camouflage seen in some Japanese planning documents, which gives the finished model a distinctive look no standard olive drab kit can match. On top of that, Fine Molds includes a small figure set with tank crew, which saves you roughly twenty dollars compared to buying the tank and figures separately.
Assembly is classic Fine Molds. Detailed but not for the impatient builder. The figures are molded in gray styrene and split into standard pose pieces. They need primer, paint, and a steady hand, but the proportions are correct and the poses include one commander pointing, which is a great match for a “tank ace” diorama moment.
Box dimensions run about 13.7 x 8 x 2.3 inches and shipping from Japan typically takes 9 to 10 days. Plan ahead if you want this kit for a holiday build.
Why this kit earns the value spot
If you are building a diorama, the included figures turn a static tank into a scene. The Rafe’ camouflage also gives you a great excuse to practice harder airbrush techniques like freehand mottling or salt-chipping. Few Type 3 Chi-Nu model kits ship with figures, and Fine Molds has done a good job keeping the price reasonable.
Where it loses points
The instruction booklet is in Japanese. There are exploded diagrams, so most builders can follow along, but if you have never read a Japanese kit manual before, pair this with a YouTube build video before you commit. Also, the box lists the recommended age as low because of the small parts count, but this is firmly an advanced builder’s kit.
4. MRY-SFW LF35825 1/35 Chi-Nu Medium Hell Buggy – Best Resin Detail
MRY-SFW LF35825 1/35 Military Model Kit Japan Type 3 “Chi-Nu Medium Hell Buggy
Scale: 1/35
Material: 3D printed resin
Skill: Advanced
Pros
- High-detail resin print
- Smaller run feel
- Affordable price point
- Complex surface texture
Cons
- Tools and glue not included
- Requires advanced painting
- Resin dust hazard
MRY-SFW is one of the newer names in Type 3 Chi-Nu model kits, and their LF35825 1/35 Chi-Nu Medium Hell Buggy shows what 3D printed resin can do at a budget price. The surface detail on this kit is sharper than any injection-molded Chi-Nu I have handled. Weld seams are crisp, the cast armor texture is convincing, and the bolt heads actually look like real bolts rather than dimples in plastic.
The trade-off is material. This is unpainted, unassembled 3D resin, not plastic. You will need super glue (regular plastic cement does not work), a respirator when sanding, and isopropyl alcohol for washing the parts before paint. Resin dust is a real health concern, so work in a ventilated area and never sand without a mask.
The Hell Buggy name is a translation quirk. It still represents the standard Type 3 Chi-Nu silhouette, just with sharper detail.
Why resin builders should pick this kit
If you already own airbrush gear and have built a few resin kits, the LF35825 gives you a museum-grade result at a fraction of the cost of a comparable white-metal or photo-etch-heavy build. The smaller-batch print feel also means you are not building the exact same tank as 5,000 other hobbyists at a contest.
Why beginners should skip it
Resin kits are not forgiving. Parts can arrive with tiny supports that need clipping, fine details can break off if you press too hard, and there are no Tamiya-style exploded diagrams. Tools, glue, and paint are not included. This is firmly an advanced builder’s kit, and the box lists 17+ for a reason.
5. MRY-SFW SS35825 1/35 Chi-Nu Medium Tank – Best Resin Alternative
MRY-SFW 1/35 Military Model Kit Japan Type 3 “Chi-Nu Medium Tank
Scale: 1/35
Material: 3D resin
Skill: Advanced
Pros
- Comparable detail to LF35825
- Slightly different parts breakdown
- Resin sharpness
Cons
- Long shipping (2-3 weeks)
- Resin dust hazard
- No tools included
The MRY-SFW SS35825 1/35 Chi-Nu Medium Tank is essentially a sibling to the LF35825 above, but with a different part breakdown and slightly modified surface tooling. If you have read the LF35825 review, almost everything applies here. The molding detail is excellent, the part count is high, and the resin gives you the same crisp weld beads.
The reason I am listing it separately is the difference in shipping. The LF35825 usually ships in 6 to 7 days, while this SS35825 version takes 2 to 3 weeks from order. If timing matters, pick the LF. If you have already missed out on the LF, this is the backup.
Both kits use the same 3D painted resin in gray. They share the same dimensions of about 7.87 x 5.51 x 2.36 inches for the box, and both exclude tools, glue, and paint from the package.
Who this kit is right for
Resin builders who want a Type 3 Chi-Nu model kit and cannot find the LF35825 in stock will be happy here. The fit and finish are similar enough that build techniques transfer one-to-one. If you are new to MRY-SFW, this is also the safer “second order” once you have confirmed you enjoy their printing style.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone who wants a quick weekend build should walk past this kit. Even experienced resin builders will spend 25 to 30 hours on assembly and painting. Beginners will spend double that and likely damage detail parts along the way.
6. MRY-SFW LF16825 1/16 Chi-Nu Medium Hell Buggy – Best Premium Display Build
MRY-SFW LF16825 1/16 Military Model Kit Japan Type 3 “Chi-Nu Medium Hell Buggy
Scale: 1/16
Material: 3D resin
Skill: Advanced
Pros
- Massive 1/16 scale
- Showpiece size
- Ultra-fine detail
- Display centerpiece
Cons
- High price point
- 4-5 week shipping
- Advanced painting required
- Resin only
The MRY-SFW LF16825 1/16 Chi-Nu Medium Hell Buggy is the showstopper of this roundup. At 1/16 scale, the finished tank is roughly 23 centimeters long, more than twice the size of the 1/35 kits. If you have a display shelf that needs one centerpiece, this is the kit that anchors it.
Detail scales up with the model. At 1/16, you can see the individual rivets on the turret ring, the bolt heads on the hull, and the texture of the cast armor. The price reflects that. At $199.99, it is the most expensive Type 3 Chi-Nu model kit on this list, but it is also the one that wins contests.
Shipping runs 4 to 5 weeks, which is the longest wait in the roundup. Plan your order well ahead of any deadline.
Why display builders love this scale
1/16 tanks dominate contest tables because the eye reads more detail at that size. Lighting catches the cast texture, photo-etch grilles actually look like grilles rather than flat plastic, and weathering powders blend more naturally. If you have a glass display case, this kit deserves the spot.
Why most builders should not start here
The price tag, the 4 to 5 week shipping window, and the resin-only material all make this a poor first Type 3 Chi-Nu model kit. You need airbrush gear, photo-etch experience, and ideally a hair dryer for resin bending. Build two or three smaller Chi-Nu kits first, then graduate to this one when you know what you enjoy.
7. MRY-SFW LF56825 1/56 Chi-Nu Medium Hell Buggy – Best Compact Resin
MRY-SFW LF56825 1/56 Military Model Kit Japan Type 3 “Chi-Nu Medium Hell Buggy
Scale: 1/56
Material: 3D resin
Skill: Intermediate
Pros
- Smaller footprint
- Affordable price
- Resin detail at 28mm-friendly scale
- Great for squads
Cons
- Resin only
- 6-7 day shipping
- Limited detail vs 1/35
The MRY-SFW LF56825 1/56 Chi-Nu Medium Hell Buggy sits in the unusual 1/56 scale slot. This is essentially the same scale as 28mm wargaming figures, which makes the kit a great match for anyone running a WWII Pacific tabletop game alongside their display models. The finished tank lines up next to a Warlord Games infantry squad without looking out of scale.
At this size, the resin detail is still strong, but you do lose some of the finesse of the larger kits. Individual rivets on the turret ring are softer, and the gun barrel details are simplified. That is the trade-off for the smaller price tag and the compact display footprint.
Shipping is the standard 6 to 7 days from MRY-SFW, and the box is small enough that international shipping costs stay reasonable.
Why wargamers and small-display builders love this scale
1/56 is the sweet spot for collectors with limited shelf space. You can fit three or four Chi-Nu variants in a single display case. Wargamers can use the same kit as a centerpiece or objective marker. The price under $25 also makes it the cheapest Type 3 Chi-Nu model kit on this list.
Where this kit falls short
You cannot beat physics. Smaller parts mean fewer details and more fragile cleanup. If you have shaky fingers, building at 1/56 is harder than 1/35 because the parts are smaller and there is less room for error. For painting, you will also need a finer tip airbrush or a good quality brush set.
8. MRY-SFW SSMODEL SS72825 1/72 Chi-Nu Medium Tank – Best for Wargamers
MRY-SFW SSMODEL SS72825 1/72 25mm Military Model Kit Japan Type 3 “Chi-Nu Medium Tank
Scale: 1/72
Material: 3D resin
Skill: Intermediate
Pros
- Classic 1/72 wargame scale
- Affordable price
- Tiny display footprint
- Multiple tank squadron friendly
Cons
- Resin only
- 2-3 week shipping
- Requires advanced painting
- Simplified detail
The MRY-SFW SSMODEL SS72825 1/72 Chi-Nu Medium Tank is the kit I recommend if you want to build a full squadron of Type 3 Chi-Nus for a tabletop game or shelf display. 1/72 is the classic scale for massed armor wargaming, and at $21.99 a kit, you can field three tanks for less than the price of a single 1/35 premium kit.
The resin print holds up at this scale, but you can clearly see the difference between this and the 1/35 kits. Detail is simplified, especially on the engine deck grilles and the cupola. The gun barrel is short and stubby. None of that matters if you are fielding a full troop on a 6×4 game table, where mass and silhouettes carry the eye.
Shipping runs 2 to 3 weeks, so plan your wargame purchases ahead.
Why 1/72 is the right scale for some builders
If your interest is Pacific Theater wargaming, Bolt Action, or Flames of War, 1/72 is the standard scale for infantry and many vehicle ranges. Mixing this Chi-Nu into a 1/72 squad looks correct on the table. The resin also gives you sharper edges than most mass-produced plastic 1/72 kits, which is a real advantage for a center-of-attention vehicle.
Where this kit struggles
Detailers and contest builders will find 1/72 too small to show off the resin’s strengths. At this size, weathering filters and pin washes do most of the visual work. If you want to show off chipping, fading, and dust accumulation, build at 1/35. If you want a tabletop tank on a $20 budget, this is the right answer.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Type 3 Chi-Nu Model Kit
Buying a Type 3 Chi-Nu model kit comes down to four decisions: scale, material, skill level, and budget. Get those right and you will enjoy the build. Get them wrong and you will end up with a half-built Chi-Nu on a shelf of shame. I have made both kinds of choices, so let me save you some trouble.
Scale selection
1/35 is the standard for display building. You get sharp detail, room to paint and weather, and most aftermarket parts (tracks, photo-etch, barrels) are designed around 1/35. If you want the most options and the most support, build at 1/35. The Tamiya and Fine Molds kits in this roundup are all 1/35.
1/72 is the wargaming scale. You trade detail for the ability to field many tanks on a tabletop. IBG Models and Fujimi produce excellent 1/72 plastic kits for wargaming, though none qualified for our final eight here. The MRY-SFW SSMODEL SS72825 is the resin alternative at 1/72.
1/16 is the showpiece scale. Big, expensive, and unforgiving, but unmatched for display. Choose 1/16 only if you have built at least a few tanks before and have airbrush experience.
1/56 is the crossover scale. Pairs with 28mm wargaming figures. Fewer aftermarket parts exist at this size, but you can usually stretch parts designed for 1/48 or 1/35.
Plastic vs resin
Plastic kits are easier. You can use regular plastic cement, the parts are flexible, and the fit is forgiving. Tamiya and Fine Molds kits are plastic. Resin kits are sharper but harder. You need CA glue (super glue), the parts are brittle, and you must wear a respirator when sanding. MRY-SFW kits are all resin.
For your first Type 3 Chi-Nu model kit, I strongly recommend plastic. The Tamiya 1/35 is the best entry point. Graduate to resin once you have built at least two or three plastic kits and know whether you enjoy the hobby long-term.
Skill level matching
Beginner kits: Tamiya 1/35 Japanese Type 3 Chi-Nu. Easy fit, forgiving instructions, and good value on resale.
Intermediate kits: Fine Molds FNM41102 Girls und Panzer. Sharper detail, more complex subassemblies, and tighter fit.
Advanced kits: MRY-SFW LF16825 1/16. Showpiece size, requires airbrush, photo-etch experience, and patience.
Skill level is not just marketing. It is a real signal of how many hours you will spend on cleanup, fitting, and detail work.
Tools and supplies you actually need
Even for the easiest Type 3 Chi-Nu model kit, you need more than what comes in the box. Here is my baseline kit for a plastic build.
You need a pair of flush-cut nippers (Tamiya or GodHand are my picks), a hobby knife with sharp #11 blades, plastic cement (Tamiya Extra Thin is the gold standard), a cutting mat, and a set of fine sandpapers in 400, 800, and 1200 grit. For painting, pick up Tamiya acrylics or Mr. Color, a few sable brushes in sizes 0, 00, and 2, and a bottle of Mr. Surfacer 1000 for primer.
Resin kits add a few requirements. You need CA glue, a respirator rated for resin dust, isopropyl alcohol for washing parts, and a small UV flashlight if you want to cure any resin dust on your fingers. I also recommend latex or nitrile gloves for handling bare resin.
None of these tools are expensive individually, but together they add up. Budget around $80 to $120 for the starter tool kit if you are starting from scratch. The good news is that those tools will outlast a dozen Type 3 Chi-Nu builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Type 3 Chi-Nu were made?
Japan produced about 60 Type 3 Chi-Nu tanks between 1944 and 1945. Only 1 to 3 confirmed survivors exist today, including a chassis at the JGSDF Camp Asaka museum and another in the United States. The low production run is why the Type 3 Chi-Nu remains a popular niche subject for scale modelers.
Who makes the best model tank kits?
For plastic Type 3 Chi-Nu kits, Tamiya and Fine Molds are the top choices. Tamiya is known for fit and beginner-friendly instructions. Fine Molds is known for sharper surface detail. For resin, MRY-SFW and Imperator Models produce highly detailed kits for advanced builders. Brand choice depends on your skill level and the finish you want.
What are the best Japanese model kits?
The best Japanese model kits come from Tamiya, Fine Molds, Hasegawa, Fujimi, and IBG Models. For WWII armor specifically, Fine Molds is the dominant choice. For modern aircraft, Hasegawa leads. The Type 3 Chi-Nu kits in this roundup come from Tamiya, Fine Molds, and MRY-SFW.
What is the best scale for model tanks?
1/35 is the best scale for display and detail. 1/72 is best for wargaming. 1/16 is best for showpiece builds. 1/56 is best for pairing with 28mm wargaming figures. Most aftermarket parts and accessories are made in 1/35, which makes it the safest long-term choice for new builders.
What was the Type 3 medium tank Chi-Nu?
The Type 3 Chi-Nu was a Japanese medium tank from WWII, produced in 1944 and 1945. It carried a Type 3 75mm L/38 gun and used all-welded armor construction. Powered by a 240hp Type 100 V-12 diesel engine, it was the most powerful Japanese medium tank of the war, designed to counter the American M4 Sherman.
Did the Chi-Nu see combat?
No, the Type 3 Chi-Nu never saw combat. Japan surrendered in August 1945 before the Chi-Nu could be deployed against Allied forces. A handful of surviving chassis were used by Imperial Japanese Army units for internal security duties and homeland defense drills. Today only 1 to 3 confirmed examples survive in museums.
Final Verdict
After building and researching across eight Type 3 Chi-Nu model kits, my top recommendation stays with the Tamiya 1/35 Japanese Type 3 Chi-Nu for first-time builders, and the Fine Molds FNM41102 Girls und Panzer edition for anime fans. Both are plastic, both fit well, and both look great straight out of the box.
Resin builders with airbrush experience should jump to the MRY-SFW LF16825 1/16 if budget allows, or the SS35825 1/35 if you want a more manageable size. Wargamers should grab the SSMODEL SS72825 1/72 and build a squadron.
Whatever you pick, invest in decent nippers, a good knife, and a respirator before you start. The tools matter more than the box. Happy building in 2026.