Japanese Model 95 light tank

Aloha Everyone,

On one of my forays to the Marianas (2001) I came across this type 95 light tank in Colonia, Pohnpei (Ponape)

It was just sitting on a dirt side street behind the tin roofed post office.

When the Japanese garrison capitulated in September 1945 the entire motor pool was lined up and left on a jungle road. Many of the Tanks and Tankettes are now being salvaged and one of the Tankettes has been fully restored to running condition, the only one in the world.

Even with the decades of rust and corrosion, you can still see the original camoflauge paint pattern on this one.

Anchor's Aweigh
Craig

 

And here's a fully restored one at the US Army Museum, Fort DeRussy, Honolulu, Hawaii

This museum is an easily accessible (and free) destination for visitors to Hawaii, right on Waikiki Beach in the decommissioned 14" Coast Artillery fortifications.

(the city attemted to demolish the concrete casements in the 1960's but they damaged the wrecking balls and cranes!)

Thus, a museum was born

Anchor's Aweigh
Craig