O-I - The Imperial Japanese Army’s Super-Heavy That Never Was

The O-I super-heavy tank represents one of Imperial Japan’s most ambitious armored concepts of the Second World War. Planned as a massive breakthrough vehicle weighing an estimated 150 tons, the O-I was intended to dominate fortified positions and counter increasingly heavy Allied armor. In reality, Japan’s limited industrial capacity, material shortages, and the changing nature of the war prevented the design from ever progressing beyond the planning and prototype stage.

This model is based on the Takom kit and was approached as a blank slate due to the speculative nature of the subject. Several modifications were added to enhance realism and narrative, including additional front plate armor, a rear crew telephone, a front track holder, and a replacement left-side skirt panel depicted in partially rusted primer, suggesting prolonged exposure to tropical operating conditions.

Weathering became the primary focus of the build, reflecting a vehicle that might have existed in limited trials or limited active service. Each rivet was individually hand-shaded to emphasize the tank’s massive construction, and the headlight lenses were scratch-built from resin. The finish combines heavy wear, grime, and subtle corrosion to convey the sheer scale and impracticality of the design.

The O-I remains a fascinating example of wartime ambition outpacing reality - a super-heavy tank conceived during a period when Japan no longer possessed the resources to bring such an idea to life.