Darren Baker takes a look at the IDF Merkava Mk IV with Trophy from Hobby Boss in 1/35th scale and for the most part likes what he finds.

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If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

I can see the two major errors in this kit.
First- sideskirts. Mk.4M should have the late- heavy type of sideskirts.
Second- all Merkava Mk.4M tanks have the loader's hatch on turret, in this kit there is a piece of armour- like on the early version od Mk.4.

There are photos depicting vhicles with the typ of sideskirts in the kit but the loader's hatch is a huge mistake.

The track links seem strange to me, but this can be just my idea.

Thank you for the comprehensive presentation.

P.S. the ball and chain in the kit is not easy to work with or form into shape.

P.S. 2 Vinyl tires? Really Hobby Boss? I bet their fit is loose on the rims.

I did check and there are images of Merkava IV's with just the single turret hatch. I will admit that I found it odd that there is only one hatch and decided I would not want to be stuck in this tank in an emergency.

Yes, this is true. There is one hatch (for commander) on the early version of Mk.4.These vehicles already have opening for the loader's hatch in the turret base, but it is covered by armour panel. All later versions of Merkava Mk.4 recived the loader's hatch (including Mk.4M ), also the hatch was retrofited even to early versions.

Thank you for the clarification as I thought I had made an error

Hi everybody!
Comparing with the MENG kit, which one would be closest to the real vehicle? I'm in doubt which one to buy.

Hi, Meng is much more accurate and detailed than HB kit.