Hi
I would quite like to build a merkava in 1/35 but with so many diferent kits of it out there i am wondering which is the best one? Cheers. Nick

Hi,

it depends, a Merkava 1,2,3 or 4?

Regards,

Matthijs

The Tamiya Merkava kit is a good model for a Mk 1. The Academy kit is good for a Mk 2, although the gap along the lower turret rim should be taken care off in my opinion.
You can backdate the Tamiya kit to an early Mk 1 by deleting the loader's mg and it's mounting post.

For a basic beginner Merk best bet is Tamiya's Mk 1 as its a sound kit that only needs some minor detailing-Pe and a bit of Plasti card and some anti slip. If however you want something a little more interesting and challenging you have plenty to choose from. Legends offer a massive range of Merkava stuff, including the impressive MK2D which is an awsome model or the 3D and complete mk4. You can pretty much creat the whole range of Merkava's from Legends sets. the only Merkava to avoid is Academy's MK3 as its (I think) a production mdoel based on a Latrun example and not correct for a MK3, you'll need some legends resin to make a good mK3.

I just got the Model Magazine (from France) magazine/book on IDF armor "Tsahal 1/Heavy Armor" from Squadron yesterday and if you're interestd in Merkavas , it has 3 build articles and 2 photo essays on Merkavas II and III.

More coverage of Merkavas than anything else in fact
Nice book, I can post more details if folks are interested.

Mike

I'd say that the Tamiya Merkava I is the best Merkava kit, but it's a very plain Jane version without all the updates shown on more recent variants.

Academy's Merkava II is the better of the two they do.

Okay. Thanks guys, one more question, which Merkavas would have been used in teh recent conflict? Cheers. Nick

Merkava 2C and 2D:
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/tanks/merkava/MerkavaMk2.html

Merkava 3B with turret roof armour, and Merkava 3D:
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/tanks/merkava/MerkavaMk3.html

Merkava 4:
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/tanks/merkava/MerkavaMk4.html

Basically, nothing out of the box. Look to Legends (or AEF Designs) for all your recent Merkava needs. And please don't start with the AEF stories.
At any rate, you'll have to spend extra $$ unless you're comfortable with scratch building.

Jim