Description

 

World War II Japanese SNLF MG 4 Man Team. The Type 92 was essentially a scaled-up version of the Type 3 Heavy Machine Gun, with its calibre increased to 7.7 mm, and like the Type 3 was air cooled, ammo strip fed, and based on the Hotchkiss M1914.^[3] 

It was nicknamed “woodpecker” by Western Allied soldiers because of the characteristic sound it made when fired, and the “chicken neck” by Chinese soldiers due to its appearance.^[1] The Type 92 had a maximum range of 4,500 meters, but a practical range of 800 meters. The gun was intended to be fired on a tripod with a team of 3 men. The unusual tripod was designed with removable carry poles, so that the weapon could be transported fully assembled for quicker deployment.^[2]

In combat, the SNLF played pivotal roles in the early Pacific War, executing amphibious assaults during the initial offensives of 1941–1942, including captures of Wake Island, Guam, and the Philippines, where they demonstrated high mobility and tenacity.^[2] As the tide turned, they shifted to defensive garrisons, mounting fierce resistance in key battles such as Guadalcanal (1942), where units like the Ichiki Detachment suffered heavy losses; Tarawa (1943), defended by the Yokosuka 6th and Sasebo 7th SNLF with nearly 4,600 troops at Betio Island; and later campaigns at Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa (1944–1945)

Size is about 58mm. They will blend well with plastic Conte Toy Soldiers. Set includes 4 miniatures in 4 different poses.  A Gunner, 2 Assistants and a Squad Leader. They are unpainted, made in a tan color resin.  Sets are mailed out 2 to 4 weeks after order.