The Type 89 I-Go medium tank was a curious mix of old and new concepts. It had the archaic lines of a first-generation tank, but a relatively advanced diesel engine. The low-velocity 57mm gun had a high-explosive load which could not penetrate modern armour but would pop the rivets on enemy tanks, wounding the crew members inside. Their worst default, however, was – like all the other types of Japanese tanks deployed during the Nomonhan Incident – their single-man turret. The tank commander was supposed to lead his vehicle while loading and firing the main gun or the turret machine gun. Like their Soviet-operated opponents, Japanese tanks in the Nomonhan conflict were usually painted in dark green, and wore either no, or only a minimum of insignia. (Artwork by David Bocquelet)