other than fruil and spadeace are there any other am Merk1/2 tracks that will fit academy's Magach6? I've searched but haven't turned up much. also, did any have T55/62 tracks? thx

Legends does some link-and-length resin tracks for them, don't know if they're still available or not.
I've been using Friuls, but am curious to see what Academy is putting in the new Gal-Batash kit. Their previous Merkava tracks were pretty poor, and very stiff.
I have Meng's Merk3 with the mine roller and 1-piece tracks that I may cut down for a Magach build if I don't go ahead and use them on the Merk.... they're pretty nicely done.
To the best of my knowledge, T55/62 tracks were NOT used on Magachs.

I don't think the Merk III tracks will work...they are wider and a different shape then the Merk I/II track. More trouble then its worth.

For Mag-ach Gal Bastash you could use Merkava2 tracks for early one or Merkava2D tracks for late one (those in LF1143 Legend's range).

Probably more due to the model manufacturers than the real dimensions, but Meng's Merk3 tracks fit Tamiya and Academy Merk 1 and 2 drive sprockets nicely. I have not tried Friul Merk3 tracks, don't have any in the stash.
But, I agree, Friul Merk 1 and 2 tracks are accurate and best.

thx. looks like fruil

Friul work nicely. This is a -6MEM, but it's largely Academy parts, including the drive sprocket from Acad's original Magach6. I had to reduce the size of the drive teeth very slightly to get a good fit, but pitch and spacing is correct.

were merk tracks original equipment? saw a post elsewhere that suggested they weren't prior to 2k. as far as the kit tracks go, they're very flexible and quite soft. dunno yet how well they'll take paint, but we'll see. got my GB yesterday

I've got over 100 photos of the 6B Gal Batash on the 'puter, and 99% of them (when you can see the tracks) have the late Merkava 2 style.



This one has one of each, Merkava 2 and 2 Improved:





The kit tracks seem thin, I'd go with metal ones.

Jim

thx. looks like it'll be merk2 trax. odd that they'd mount 2 diff types

just got the fruil tracks Merk1/2, and they're a just right fit for academy's Gal Batash right down to driver tooth size, shape and angle

Why is it odd??? Replacing the track on a tank is expensive, in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 USD per vehicle. So if a tank unit can cobble enough of each type together to make a full run, then fitting the two types of track is a cost effective solution. For the most part, the mixed track will not decrease the traction, performance, or mobility of the tank.

I will say that mixing old and new sides of US T-142 track on a M60A3 tank and then combining with icy roads was, ahem, exhilarating in Hohenfels Germany. The new side of track spun on the ice, while the old track with worn pads had the steel grousers dig into the ice and we ended up at the bottom of a deep ravine. Ahhh, those were the days...


John

shoulda figured that lol. anyway, the fruils went together quite nicely with very little drilling, and took about 7.5hrs. didn't use the included brass wire, too soft. had some left over steel wire from spade ace's merk4 tracks which is much better. I could just push the wire thru. one slight prob tho is there was no right side links. I was lucky enuff that whoever packed them gave me 2 left sides. go figure

I think Friul only does "one side" on Merk tracks. I've used three sets now, one more in assembly, and all were the same. It's been the same on their Pershing tracks, KV1 tracks, T55 tracks and Hellcat tracks. I guess the only do mirror image links when they have to, like on Tigers. They're still better than kit tracks though.
I did just buy a set of Spade Ace M113 tracks, and the links are open on both ends, so at least they're symmetrical.....