Hi,

I intend to try something different other than the usual World War 2 subjects.

When I went to the hobby store a couple of months ago, I spotted an Academy "Super Sherman,"an upgunned Sherman used by the Israeli Defense Force. I also spotted a Merkava tank with mine rollers which is a relatively cheap kit (at least in this part of the world).

I want to make a dio of these two kits. My questions are: When and where is the "war theater" of these two tanks? Is there an instance where the two can be seen together? What is the usual "enemy" tank during the war where the Super Sherman/Merkava was used? Can anyone provide me a site with information about these tanks? How about figures? Where can I buy Israeli figs?

Also, the paint scheme for the Super Sherman says that it should be painted Khaki. For the Merkava, it should be painted Desert Yellow. I'm not sure if these are the correct colors. So, what should be the proper color of these vehicles? I am using Tamiya acrylics.

Thank you.

Angela

Hi Angela,
The M51 was used in the Six-Day War in 1967 and the 1973 Yom Kippur War. They were still found in reserve units into the early 90's. The Merkava first saw action in 1982 during Operation "Peace for Galilee" in Lebanon. I find it highly doubtful that they would have seen action together.

As for the main enemy, for the M51 it would be T34/85, T54/55 and T62 from Egypt and Syria. This would cover both the Six-Day and Yom Kippur Wars. Also, M51's would have faced Jordanian M47/48 Pattons in the Six-Day War.

The Merkava would have faced Syrian T55, T62, and T72 in Lebanon.

Try this site for more info: IDF Armour Group

Regards,
Chris "toadman" Hughes