This is my first try at some IDF armor. I've got some more PE to add along with more filler work. The ball and chain was a real pain and there are a few that need to be replaced. Unfortunately, I didn't attach the turret basket until after I had added the ball and chain and they turned out to be a little long with a few resting on the higher parts of the rear deck. I was a little upset until I double checked some online references which showed they did touch...though not as much as mine. I'm not sure if it is worth doing it over as I plan on displaying it with the turret turned 90 degrees.








Tamiya kit
Eduard PE
Legend ball and chain
Friulmodel tracks
Eureka tow cable

That's nice work. I personally don't have pics of the ball and chain in use in '82, although I do know it was installed on Mk I's later on. You're right though, with the turret turned, the extra length shouldn't be an issue. Also, the reinforced road wheel is something I've only seen on the front station, where they took the biggest beating.
I see you added the lightening holes to the sprockets. Are you planning on adding them to the idlers as well? They're far more visible now with the rear plates removed. Looking forward to seeing more.

Thanks 18 Bravo. Shows how much I know, I had assumed that the wheel was some type of Soviet tank spare/replacement. Guess I'll have to move it to the front and add a second one.....assuming it would even be correct on an Mk. 1. of this time frame.

I'll see what I can do about adding the lightening wholes to the idlers. Thanks for pointing that out, I missed that detail in the walk around photos I looked at.

Here is where I got the inspiration for the Mk. 1 with chains circa 1982 Lebanon.
http://shaon.livejournal.com/70769.html
You can also see them on the lead tank in the photo with the column of Merkavas
http://lebanon82.tripod.com/idf.htm It's hard to see, but there are bigger copies of that photo out there.

Thanks again.

other than the road wheel as gary mentioned, it looks great, nice and clean. two thumbs up which kit is it?

There is only one decent Merkava 1 kit out there (in 1/35th): Tamiya #35127.

Jim

Looks great!

Only question though, did the IDF use the ball and chain basket in 1982? I thought this was a more recent add on by the IDF but I could be wrong.

Thanks all,

Gary, I'll be sure to remove the wheel in question.

Calvin, Jim is correct, it is the Tamiya kit with Eduard PE, Legend ball and chain, Friulmodel tracks and a soon to be added, Eureka tow cable.

James, I only managed to find a couple pics of Mk. 1s in Lebanon in 1982 with the ball and chain. I posted some links above to the photos I used as references. Definitely a rare sight but something that I thought looked cool and wanted to try out.

Look Great to see a Mk1 when the latest Mk is release by Academy
Like father and son
Cheers
Seb

Hay M8 this is a realy good build with lot's of detail. keep us posted.

In which case, I really wouldn't worry about it.




Rare sight or not, that means you're covered

Nice job so far - looking forward to seeing some paint on it.

- Steve