Dear All,
I just received the new HB kit Merkava ARV # 82457.
And since I am not a IDF armor expert, I am struggling to write my review.
Does any one can help me with a good ref pics and/or a walk around.

It seems that two versions have been released by Tsahal.

Any help will be great
Thanks in Advance
Seb

Any one ??

Like this?



http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0oG7kFfsZ9QXjQAPAxXNyoA?p=Merkava+ARV&fr=moz35&fr2=piv-web










~ Jeff

Well Maybe I am not clear enough
HB will release the following ARV:



As you can see by googling Merkava ARv, you end up with this one:


The crane is bigger and not positioned as the one from HB.
It seems that the chassis is also different.
You can also find similar picture as HB is releasing :



So can you help me to with more pics of the ARV with the small crane

Thanks
Seb

Seb,
if you're doing a google search for images with keyword namer, here is what you can get







Olivier

Maybe there are 2 versions of the Merkava ARV:

Merkava ARV is based on the Merkava Mk 3 chassis. It is installed with a powerfull 50 tons/meter torque telescopic lever, which can lift 35 tons of weight. The ARV’s levers for the company level will be smaller then the ones destinated for battalion level. Rescue means will be changed according to the needs.

http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product3850.html


Michael

Yeah IO got that Legend IDF Namer General Purpose conversion kit. An I have yet to get off my butt and start it but I can tell you that the hull detail and right on but some of the thinner resin parts are warped. Now one can fix them using a bowl of hot water or scratch build the parts needed.
http://spruebender.net/forum2/index.php?topic=856.0

An thanks for posting some photos that I didn't have guys.

So any one have more pics that the one we found on the web ???

Thanks in advance

Seb

Hi Seb !

Did you receive this beast ? Did the HB sended it direct to you ?

If not, where did you bougth it ?

Bye, bye my $$$$$

Cheers !

Marco

Yes Directly to my work bench
of course need to build it
But I want pics to write properly the review

The problem Seb is that according to Michael Mass, IDF has just ONE Namer ARV.
The other version of Merkava based ARV are just ptototypes too so i'm affraid it will be difficult to find references.

Stephane

Exactly, there are no walk-arounds and very few photos for that prototype. My post on ML might help to show the difference between the hulls. I don't know why they make this kit instead of a production Namer.

Jim

Ok what I can tell you all is that the Legend IDF Namer "GP" General Purpose conversion set is of the only one prototype. The one that get's the most used in the feld is the one with the heavy cran, used for pulling engines., and the most uses of a US built M88 Recovery Vehicle Called the "Chiluz" in israel. The M88 Is what they have bean using for years now.

So to sum every thing up, you and I want more photos of eather ARVs and we will not be getting any as the two photograft are the only two built and only the heavy craned one is still being used. The M88 is the most used on the battle feld to day and the one of the resin kit is just a prototype. I can't get any info on it's continued existence in 2012 Sorry!!

But there's are 2 way you can get photos of one of the ARVs go to israel and visit the latrun museum (Or E-mail them)and ask if they have one on display or attend one of next years "israeli independence day parades" (Yom Ha’atzmaut). Some times they have them out on display.

The best thing is just have fun building it the way you would invision it on the battle feld of to day or yesterday. Use any photo's of Merkavas' used on the battle feld and come up with your own idea on how it would look in an operational theater from when it first came out till now.
Museum info link: http://www.davidpride.com/Israeli_Armor/Armor_Main.htm

Edit: M88 Chiluz photo added.

Yes, there is a mix of variants here.

The M88A1 Tachlat"z is the current standard ARV in IDF with ability to use a heavy duty winch, and its A type crane enabling to lift the 5 ton power pack of the Merkava fleet. We do not have an M88A1 in Latrun (The Armored Corps Museum).

As for the Merkava based ARVs , there are 2 different models for different purposes, where only one single prototype was built of each of the two.

Merkava ARV GP - this is a Mk.3 Based ARV that planned to replace the Fitter, in each Company of Armor units. This one have the small carane to the width of the rear part of the hull, do not have a winch, and do not have the capability of lifting a power pack. GP is for General Purpose or it is better called Chata"p for Company technical team. The new HB model is a copy of the Legend resin one, AFAIK.

Merkava ARV - this is the future Mk.3 beased heavy Armored Recovery Vehicle, that is planed to serve ASIDE of the old M88A1 ARVs that planned to pass heavy modification and improvement . The Merkava ARV (known as Rekem Achzaka), will be changed in many aspects from the current prototype. It is equiped with a bigger crane along its right side, and with a big and small winches in the rear.

As for our collection in Latrun, we have:
M32 Sherman, VSS
M32 Sherman HVSS
Centurion Mk. 2
M578
Sherman ARV Gordon , Degem Gimel
T55 ARV
Half Track Bambino
Half Track Eyal Degem Gimel
BTR152 with Crane SLA


Michael Mass
Latrun - Armor Corps Association - Museum and memorial site.

This site indicated by caveman is a private one and not our official website.

private website (?)
http://www.davidpride.com/Israeli_Armor/Armor_Main.htm


Official website:(your questions arriving to me anyhow)

http://www.yadlashiryon.com/show_item.asp?levelId=64950
or in Hebrew
http://www.yadlashiryon.com/show_item.asp?levelId=63816

Dear All
It is a great help your comments.
So HB decided to released a prototype shame on them

Thanks for the help, I will directly contact Michael Mass.

Cheers
Seb

"Seb43" what ever you chouse to do I hope you would be willing to post your work, when you start. An thanks M. Mass for the links and your info.
I just wish there was an over head or (birds eye view) of this ARV., it would really help in scratchbuilding it.

I have photos of both sides and the rear but I just can't find any showing the top of this thing. Any help would be grate.