Hi there,
I have just acquired the Academy MBT Merkava IID Kit no. 13286, and I don't like the tracks in the kit.



Which Friuls would be appropriate for this kit?

Cheers


Paul

I've read that the MkII D is fitted with "Batash" tracks (not released by Friul AFAIK ) :

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/2541

H.P.

I am hoping for some Batash tracks soon in white metal, as you can also use them on Magach 6 Batash and Achzarits, which I am planning to do.

Here's a goofy question: These tracks look a lot like Merk4 tracks, and I'm kind of curious just how much different they are. I wouldn't ask except for the fact that I don't have any Merk4 kits in the stash to look at. I've also seen pics of MErk2's wearing what the caption identifies as Merk4 tracks. Could they be similar enough that they're mis-identified?
I have Academy's Magach Gal-batash in the stash, which surprisingly enough is supposed to use the same (batash) tracks.
I should add I hate resin tracks, prefer Friuls or SpadeAce, and am a self-confessed "track snob".

Paul,

Apart from the tracks, how is the rest of the kit?

Paul

Hi Paul,
Greetings from Trinidad. I to would like to see parts of the kit. I'm building a Merkava I, I.5 and II at the moment. I'll explain the I.5 later.

Thanks guys, I knew I find answers here. But here come some questions:
The Bastasch has the ATL 66 Friul track, well according to this thread:
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/216511&page=1

Could I use the ATL 66 ?
Or
ATL 63 for the Merkava 1 & 2 ?
or even
ATL 49 ?
It appears that anything could go it just depends on the sprocket and the unit using the vehicle, or am I wrong?

Russ, the tracks are certainly not the same as Merk IV, I have just checked my shelf queen ( ) and they're not those we're looking for.

Paul A, there is the 2 part barrel which should clean up ok, and small but useful PE fret. Apart from that I can't say anymore, as Mrs 1721 has taken it away to be rapped up for X-Mas.





Paul B

Paul B,

Wow she's got that one in early!

Paul A

Hi Kurt, sorry I didn't see your post yesterday. I am afraid I can't say anymore about the kit as Mrs.1721 has hidden it with other things which are for x-mas .



Paul

Well.... I just happened onto a set of the ATL-66, good for the Academy Magach in the stash, but I kind of think it's time Friul or SpadeAce did the "batash" tracks.

Hi Russ,
I also have these tracks in my stash, so that is now settled then. I'll use them and thats that.



Paul

Sounds like a plan.

So I've been poking around on idf-modelling.com, and there's a pic of the late Merk2 links AND Merk3 links on the same track run, can't remember now what exact Merk they're on, but what a nifty thing to do on a model. Apparently they're interchangeable, gonna have to go home tonight and see if the Friuls are too.
I also found a couple of pics of a Merk1 in Lebanon with a 50 cal on the mantlet, something I hadn't seen yet.

Cheers Russ
I'm going there now, and will also look around.
If you find the pics again can you send me a link to 'em?





Paul

http://www.idf-modelling.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3590

The linked thread has a pretty good discussion on the subject, and the early mount looks pretty easy to gin up.

Thanks Russ, I have only just seen this.


Paul

Same here, but thinking about how many Magachs had the 50cal on the mantlet, it makes sense that a few would "find" their way onto Merkavas, and the attachment point is already there.....
I scored a Tasca M2 last week, this looks like a good place to use it.