Hi all
Just started this kit and thought I'd post some progress pics.





I'm really not happy with the tracks in this kit, I'm going to invest in a set of aftermarket tracks, probably Friuls.





Pete

Has anyone else had trouble getting the engine deck to fit properly on these kits? This is the second one I've had to spend time filing and fettling to get it to fit.

Pete

Hi Peter, nice build.

I had the exact same trouble fitting the engine deck covers on mine too. I ended up using super glue and accelerator to get it fixed in place

The first one took nearly an hour of filing and trimming accompanied by the occasional muffled curse before it would fit.


Pete

The next daft question is do I apply anti slip beforea adding detail parts or do I add detail parts first?

Pete

It depends on your method. For my Merk 3, I used some while glue I brushed on a small area at a time then I sprinkled some crushed sand grains. This way you can add all the details before applying the anti-slip texture.

Here is the result:


Olivier

i've got the engine deck fitted, took me nearly 45 minutes filing and fettling



Pete

folks

more progress, rubber bands replaced with friuls.









My apologies for the picture quality, they're taken using my mobile phone.

Pete

Hi Gang - Thanks for the heads up on the engine decks. I`ve got several of these in my stash so forewarned is forearmed !

Folks
A bit more progress on the Merkava








Pete

And more progress






Pete

Folks
Just to show that progress has not entirely stopped on the Merkava



Chinchilla sand applied over a coat of Humbrol #49 matt varnish.
Pete

And a bit more



Pete

Peter, it's coming along nice. Is this the older Academy kit or newer Meng kit? I like the new tracks, but it's to bad that they cost about the same price as a kit.

Mike
It's the Meng kit, I haven't got round to trying any of the Academy Israeli armour yet.
In my opinion Friuls are worth the cost as when finished they look far better than rubber bands or even some plastic Indy links do.
Peter

Peter, thanks for the info on the kit and your kind input on the tracks brother. I will sure to keep it in mind when time comes. I just live the look of these Israeli tanks. Keep up the good work.

Mike

A couple more pics of the Merkava , this time with mine roller fitted and anti slip on the hull





and turret partially painted



Pete

Nearly done, just the loaders hatch and a few details to add.



Pete