The review
While searching for an accurate Achzarit back in 2010, I was told that the ADV/Azimut Achzarit Conversion Kit #AZI10019 was the most accurate in terms of design and measurements in comparison to the Legend Complete Kit #LF1044 or even more to the A.E.F. Designs Complete and Conversion Kit(s) #KC-106; #KI-709; #KI-714 and KC-105

However, production was relevantly limited in quantity

The Kit was released back in June/July 2004 and if you didn't buy one at an exhibition station during a scale model show then odds are you’ve probably missed this kit

During my search, I have read a couple of articles about this Kit and to what I have seen it looks really nice and well detailed, yet it is a truly rare to find; keep on the look and If you happen to see one, grab it without thinking twice or doubt, and this is called wishful thinking

This review is based upon my personal evaluation of an actual kit that I was able to secure thru a friend in Russia for the amount of 100USD

The kit was sold at the ADV/Azimut (www.azimutproductions.com) website for approx. 145 euros
I will leave you to be the judge after reading this review

Kit Components:
The Kit components are casted in a light creamy color with high quality resin; in addition to a Photo-Etched sheet and a Trumpeter T-55 plastic lower hull, wheels on a sprue set and vinyl tracks, 4 assembly sheets are provided to facilitate the assembly process as comprehensively as possible for a resin kit
• See attached pages of assembly manual/reference at the end of this review

The Kit consists of
• 3 bulky upper hull components, the front glacis and upper hull 2/3 of the way, the rear ramp right side wall and the rear left side engine and fuel compartments
• Upper hull breaches/hatches
• Upper hull details such as mortar and support, ows weapon system, mag machine guns, periscopes etc.
• Rear ramp breach
• Complete interior set and components such as seats, cluster panel, inner details, extinguishers, steering wheel, periscopes, communication devices etc.
• Photo etched sheet in micro details, hinges, rear basket, front light guards, machine ammo box casing, perforated rear side panels

It is advised to replace the Trumpeter T-55 lower hull case with the Tamiya T-55A counter-part for more accuracy and fine details / or, to simply replace the wheels by a more accurate pattern such as Tamiya or other any other brand

Reference material is available thru several publications such as:
• Mouse House Enterprises - Military Briefs #2
• SABINGAMARTIN Publications, Israeli Wild and Cruel Cats - Part 1
• SABINGAMARTIN Publications, Israeli Wild and Cruel Cats - Achzarit Heavy APC Volume 3 Part 1
• Desert Eagle Publishing – IDF Armor Series – Achzarit Heavy APC #8
• Google images – google search engine has an extensive range of images pertaining to the subject







Assembly
Assembly can begin with the Lower hull case and wheels suspension arms
Once the lower hull is completely assembled, other components to build the interior can be dry fitted in place to ensure compatibility and alignment
The kit offers a separate base for the interior components which can be assembled and painted independently
The upper hull is a set of 3 independent components that requires to be dry fitted in order to ensure alignment and to get the correct angle of assembly
Once satisfied with the dry fitting results, all three components can be joined by use of super glue or epoxy composite
The upper hull interior details can then be fitted into place by using superglue
Some additional detailing may be required (as described in assembly sheets) to boost the inner looks towards a further realistic representation of the Achzarit, this can be achieved by use of styrene stripes, fine rubber tubes, electric wires; all while buffering on the reference materials by the previously mentioned publications

The APC breaches can be fitted in either open or closed/locked positions depending on the desired end result;
If and when breaches are positioned in the opened mode, a small light can be fitted to the inner part of the model in order to reveal and bring out the fine interior and its detailed works
The outer Upper hull details can be fixed in place to complete the model and to have it ready for priming

Anti-slip granules
Like most modern IDF tanks and APC’s, the Achzarit is covered with the same treatment; Anti-slip effect can be achieved by applying a layer of glue to specific areas of the upper hull (see publications for reference) and then sprinkle the micro granules of dust over the top of the model to reflect an anti-slip effect – it is advised to use fine granules and to spread them by sprinkling motion over the glue but make sure it does not compile, the anti-slip should seem as if it is a layer on the top of upper hull surface

Painting
Exterior/Outer parts
Painting is advised to consist of several loose and extra thinned layers
• First layer, flat aluminum – a very thin layer of metal color to cover the entire model
• Second layer, light black – a very thin layer of black color
• Third layer, light red and light modulation of rusty colors
• Fourth layer, base color with some light black highlights and color modulation technique
• Fifth layer, base color – this layer is advised to be extra thin in order not to hide the black highlights
• All other parts, fitting and accessories can then be painted with their designated color

For all IDF models, I mix my own cocktail and then I take a picture with a digital camera, then I upload the image(s) to a computer where I can digitally compare the color I mixed with an image of actual tank/apc and try to bring to match the colors at a 92% to 96% which in my opinion is a absolute and resolute ratio

Interior/Inner parts
The interior of an Achzarit is usually white, all major inner-walls and basic components can be painted in a semi-gloss white effect
Fittings and other devices/equipment would then be painted each in its own distinctive and designated color
For a better assessment of color schemes, see the reference materials, they have lots to offer in terms of details and color codes
All other parts can then be picked up with a fine brush and weathered at this stage prior to model-kit final assembly
Considering/despite that this kit had been done a long way back, the kit offers an extensive and comprehensive interior set and with a little old school scratch-building techniques , patience and imagination, the end results can be awesome




Decals
Decals for Achzarit "Cruel Lady" Early Version (Part 1)- Echelon Fine Details - Nr. D356177
Decals for Achzarit "Cruel Lady" Early Version (Part 2) -Echelon Fine Details - Nr. D356178
Decals for Achzarit "Cruel Lady" Early Version (Part 3) -Echelon Fine Details - Nr. D356179

Chipping and Scratches
There are several surface-scratch techniques one of which is the overlay of a layer of chipping fluid, once applied let it react for a while before scratches can be executed
Scratch patterns should be random and tiny to mimic and reflect a far better accurate detail in accordance to scale ratio of the model
Once scratches are completed at a satisfactory level, the model can be sprayed with a glossy layer to isolate the base layers and the base color

Rusting
By use of a sculpting knife, deeper scratched can be created to mimic depth of scratches
then, they can be filled with a modulation of rust colors, a combination of brown, red, orange, navy blue, violet, burnt amber etc.

Fading
Fading can be achieved by a damp cloth, wetted with thinner
Soft application of the cloth over the surfaces can give a seemingly faded/lighter color scheme as a substitute to color modulation techniques
Both techniques work, it is left up to the modeler which technique to apply

Weathering
A buff color wash can then be overlaid at random or by use of a large soft brush
Halfway thru, when the wash is about to dry out, the excess can be removed or narrowed down by use of damp brush to sort out the desired end result

Mapping or pin-washes
Mapping is a more concentrated technique in which further detailing of smaller parts and components or even areas can be weathered in order to bring out a more realistic appearance of a model specially around nuts and bolts and cavities

Oil spills
Many products are in the market to mimic oil spills, all are fine products
Also, you can apply real used diesel or real vehicle burnt engine oils; all it needs is to be thinned down to a workable scale by suing thinner or other thinning agents

Dusting
Many dust granules products are available on the market, and as a good substitute real life dust can be used and applied by a fixating agent

Tracks
Many track-link productions are available on the market for the multiple wheel types of this particular apc
The Achzarit apc can be fitted with both western and eastern track patterns
Friulmodel and modelkasten and master-club
Track Links For eastern wheels type
• 1/35 Friulmodel ATL-01 T-54, T-55, T-62 Friul Metal Tracks
• Spade Ace 1/35 35007 Metal Track Russian T-54/T-55/T-62
• Master Club 1/35 Metal Tracks for T54/T-55/T-62 (OMSh Type( (204 links,410 pins)
• ModelKasten SK-59 Workable Track Set for 1/35 Russian T-55(R) for Tamiya kit
• Trumpeter 580mm track links for t55-t54-t62

Track Links For western wheels type
• Meng Achzarit late type tracks are the most accurate

Field accessories and personnel gear
Field accessories and personnel gear can be found on the market such as
• Legend 1/35 Israeli IDF Tank and AFV Vehicle Stowage and Accessories Set LF1054
• Royal Model 1/35 IDF Jerrycans (with photo-etch Straps) 103
• Verlinden 1/35 IDF Sherman M-51 Stowage & Ammo and Crew (3 Half-figures) 2723
• Royal Model RM102 1/35 M109 AL IDF Tank Equipment
• Tank Workshop 1/35 Israeli IDF 5 Gallon Water Cans / Jerrycans (8 pieces) 352003
• IDF weapons selection can be found under the brand

Personnel and operatives
• MasterClub 1/35 Modern Israeli IDF Tank Crew Resin Figure (35206)
• Blast Models - IDF TANK and APC Crew 1990 Nr. BL35018F
• Blast Models - IDF Soldier 1990 - Nr. BL35014F
• MasterClub 1/35 Modern Israeli IDF Tank Repairmen Resin Figures (35201)
• MasterClub 1/35 Modern Israeli IDF Tank Crew Resin Figure (35202)
• MasterClub 1/35 Modern Israeli IDF Tank Crew Resin Figure (35205)
• MasterClub 1/35 Modern Israeli IDF Tank Crew Resin Figure (35203)
• MasterClub 1/35 Modern Israel IDF Sleeping Female Tank Crew Resin Figure (35209)
• MasterClub 1/35 Modern Israeli IDF Female Tank Crew Resin Figure (35208)
• Meng Model HS-002 1/35 IDF TANK CREW
• Hobby Fan 1/35 HF-727 IDF Tank Commander & Female Soldier - 2 Figures
• Valkyrie Miniatures 1:35 Modern IDF Tank Crew Lebanon War 1980 - 2 Figures #35011
• Valkyrie Miniatures 1:35 Modern IDF Tank Crew series 2000 - 2 Figures
• Legend 1/35 IDF Israeli Tank Crew No.1 (Resin Figure kit) LF0046
• CMK 1/35 IDF Israeli Paratroopers (2 Figures) F35015
• Verlinden 1/35 Israeli IDF Reconnaissance Team (2 Figures) Resin Model kit] 527
• Verlinden 54mm (1/35) IDF Israeli Commando in Lebanon War (Resin Figure kit) 214
• Black Dog 1/35 IDF Israeli Woman Soldiers Set (2 Figures) F35091
• CMK 1:35 Israeli IDF For M 151 Crew (3 Fig.) - Resin Kit - #F35093
• CMK 1/35 IDF Israeli Tankers (2 Full Figures and 1 Half-figure) F35137
• Legend 1/35 Israeli IDF M151 "Shmira" MUTT Jeep Crew Set (3 Figures) LF0047

Showcase base
Depending on showcase scenario, set the diorama base in a manner to accommodate the model within the premises of the wooden showcase base
A panoramic view image can be added to the back side of the base to give the impression of a larger landscape
Application of earth and dirt can boost the looks further and attain a satisfactory and realistic showcase
Some greenery and trees can also be applied depending on scenery and scenario
In order to mimic tracks trace, the model tracks can be applied when earth is still wet and soft to print the track pattern onto the base, once dry the track traces can be weathered to meet the required results








Conclusion
Although this model hard to find, this kit is worth the effort of quest and assembly.
The assembly is straight forward with very little cleaning required, components are sharp and well detailed, additional care is required when dismantling the components and parts from their resin blocks, even though the assembly manual is a little vague in times, but parts tend to fit in their own location
The components that represent the interior are one of the major strong points in favor of this kit for those who like to go the extra mile in modlleing. Happy modelling everyone

Draw-backs
NIL in this review

images will follow in a while ... stay tuned

It would take a lot more than a glowing review to get me to ever send money to Azimut....

in my humble opinion it is worth every penny - wait till you see it assembled, painted, weathers and displayed - it will rock you to your core ...

Being worth every penny is vastly different from throwing those same pennies into a black hole where full payment is charged in advance without you ever actually receiving the product you ordered and paid for.

This is Azimut's typical way of doing business, so I stand with Steve on this one. No review will ever get me to buy anything them, no matter how good the product is.

The Meng Achzarit Late Model in plastic is much better in terms of price, detail, and build-ability. It is now the standard and has eclipsed the pricey resin conversions. I'll stick with it.

Adding my two cents (instead of sending them to Azimut):
I agree wholeheartedly with Steve, Sven & Gino.
If the only option for an Achzarit was to try and get one from Azimut I would rather build something else or scratchbuild.
There is nothing wrong (nothing major at least) with Azimuts resin products, the big showstopper is their business practices, one time I had to wait 18 months before I finally got something else than what I had ordered, I had to pick some other kits just to get something for the money ...
Never again, there are just way too many other options nowadays ...
/ Robin

Same feelings. It's good to have choices and variety, but once Meng came out with their Early and Late model Achzarits, as well as the hobbyboss offering the book was pretty much closed on anything prior. They form such a great starting base, are so much more affordable and easier to build.

well, sorry you feel this way, my review is intended for those who actually own the same kit and are about to build it

this kit is no longer in production since forever

this is not a promotion review, it is merely a statement of what I personally think of the kit

Meng made 2 perfect kits which are a lot better and way more detailed and user friendly - I agree 100 %

however, I was lucky to find one azimut kit thru a friend and I am going to enjoy every moment of the assembly process

remember, modeling is not a competition between subjects, it is a discipline and a passionate hobby that should always be mitigated to keep it light

thoughts and opinions we exchange over models and sellers are merely to share frustrations and to spend some time away from the actual model in an attempt to strengthen our main idea of a model

please do not buy this kit if it bothers you to do so, I know most of you have had procurement issues with azimut and I know exactly how you feel coz I had the same with blast models when I purchased the tiran 5 conversion kit

I only buy models and kits thru ebay or thru trusted friends, never from the main

once again, my review is intended for all new generation modelers who want to learn and see what was once done before and for those who actually own a similar model

guys, I am on your side in this fix

cheers Budies

All good Guilbert!

I am still looking forward to seeing your photos when they are available .

Yup. It's like they say in racing: It didn't happen unless somebody took a picture.

I'll look forward to it. Sure, newer and better kits always come along. It doesn't necessarily mean you throw out the old ones. I still have fun, (and can do a pretty damned good job) with old Tamiya Centurions.

hi friends

I will surely upload all images here

will do it tonight

stay tuned

cheeeerzz

Gilbert, how do the dimensions of the upper hull compare to the Meng kit? The Meng upper hull is too wide and too long, it looks more like 1/32 scale. Hobby Boss is somewhat better but still oversize.

dear Florencio,

all have flaws in terms of details, dimensions and measurements

the real fun is to notice these flaws and to rectify them during assembly phase, and once the model is completely assembled, painted and weathered, all these flaws will be irrelevant and unnoticeable

remember
"nothing but the real thing can look, feel and smell like the real thing"

everything else is a cheap copy made in China

cheers Budy

hi,

here are the first set of images of the assembly process

enjoy