Merkava Mk IV **COMPLETE**

[M1Carbine]

Hi all,In keeping with the Israeli theme Im going with Academy's Merkava Mk IV. Got Legend Productions basket on the way with the appropriate IDF modern armor color from Lifecolor.



Bob

[Leon]

Another IDF build!!!! Count me in again Bob.

[dupes]

Cool! Been eyeballing that Lifecolor set - interested to hear how it works out for you.

[chris0423]

Hey Bob, looking forward to this. I really do like the look of the Merkava family. Unfortunately I've too much on to tackle one, but this will more than make up !

Looking forward to some sprue and WIP shots.

Chris.

[M1Carbine]

Leon - Glad to have ya along bro

Dupes - I have the Lifecolor set for the IDF but according to my research it does not have the correct color for modern IDF armor. I do have that set and that's what i painted my Super Sherman in and for those eras its a dead on match. for modern IDF they are calling for UA-035. Ill see what it looks like when it gets here, to me it looks a tad dark but on actual photos of the Merkava, I see them in IDF Green and two different shades of IDF Sand Gray.

Chris - Welcome aboard my friend. Glad to have you along.


Sprues have been washed and are drying off now. Build to commence shortly.


Bob

[TRM]

Great choice Bob! Love the Merks...all of them!! Don't think you are that far off with the set of paint. There is a pretty good color shift on these things depending the environmental conditions and maintenance...green, grey, violet grey, etc. Sure you will find something that looks good to you!! Count me in!! Gonna be a fun one!!

[M1Carbine]

T - Good to have ya along on this one buddy

Bob

[thug626]

Deal me in brother

Dave

[Deano]

Oh yeah one cool lookin tank , Im a watching!

[deafpanzer]

Of course... you and IDF are way too close! LOLM

[M1Carbine]

Bother Dave - Better be. Checking the dates with SWIMBO!

Deano - pull up a chair buddy

Andy - I got the IDF bug.

So most of the bottom tub is completed, very little clean up needed and holy cow, everything fit like it should have.







I was looking at the tracks and placed another order and got the Fruilmodel tracks for it. not dealing with what the kit provided. More on the way, I should be able to knock out some more this weekend.

Bob

[dupes]

Dec 5, 2014 19:05:31 GMT -5 M1Carbine said:

Dupes - I have the Lifecolor set for the IDF but according to my research it does not have the correct color for modern IDF armor.

Well that's pretty unfortunate! Will keep an eye out for what you decide to go with.

[M1Carbine]

Dupes - When the Lifecolor 035 gets here Ill match it with the two others and we will see.

Bob

[M1Carbine]

Evening Gents. Update to the Merkava build. have had some good solid bench time this weekend.

Suspension and bits completed:



Rear access door completed:



Rear baskets completed but not sure if I am going to need them as the basket I ordered (LF1187) apparently is a set to include these as well as the turret basket and ball\chain replacements.



Road wheels with the separate tires and sprockets. I may not need the sprockets as the Fruils supposedly come with a new set.



Started on the turret:







Im all freaking antsy waiting for AM stuff. More to follow gents.

Bob

[deafpanzer]

Great start brother!!!

[M1Carbine]

Thanks Andy

Bob

[Deano]

Excellent progress Bob , lookin good!

[wbill76]

Looks like a productive session from here Bob, keep at it, the AM will arrive eventually.

[M1Carbine]

Deano - thanks buddy

Bill - Im getting there buddy. Got the email this morning that the AM stuff has shipped and on its way.....WooooooooooooooooooooHoooooooooooooooooooo

Bob

[Leon]

Making great progress Bob ! Looking forward to seeing your AM upgrades.

[M1Carbine]

Leon - thanks buddy, chomping at the bit. Got some more progress on the turret this evening. Should have some shots up tomorrow.

Bob

[M1Carbine]

Ok its been a productive night at the bench. Basically I cannot go any further till the AM stuff arrives which is in transit. None of the antennas or the rear turret plate can be installed at this time.









The rear plate is not glued in place, I had it sitting in there to keep the rear area supported:



tiny bits like the M240 and M2HB are assembled but not in place yet.

M240 multiple part assembly:



The M2HB is a really nicely engineered piece:



At this time I have to send a kudos out to Academy. This is one of the best kits I have ever assembled. I have had ZERO issues, everything fits as designed and it is engineered the way a kit should be. Even the detail on the non skid surface was executed perfectly. Academy should consider selling their M2HB separately as some other vendors do but I have to say they are a gem for one modeled in plastic.

Ill take some time and get some of the little upper hull bits on but I am limited due to the fact I want to avoid any breakage.

Stay tuned, more on the way my Styrene Brothers!

Bob

[TRM]

Glad to hear this is a solid kit and you are not only having an easy go of it...you sound like you are having FUN!! What it's all about, right? Doing a fine job!! Looking forward to your next update!!

[M1Carbine]

Todd - thanks buddy. Im quite impressed with this kit. Academy deffinately raised the bar with this one. Cant wait to tackle their F4 Phantom kit released last year or so. Mi hear its fantastic.

Bob

[TRM]

Academy does make a decent kit!! Of course the Merk Family is just sexy...helps a lot!! LOL!! I have the MK.II I started a while back. Might toss this back into the ring after the coming New Years festivities!!

[M1Carbine]

Todd - I have to agree.....Merkavas are sexy.

Bob

[tonylee]

Looks just like an mobile armored soft shell mud turtle to me.

Tony lee

[Leon]

Nice work on the turret Bob! Those weapons look great.

[M1Carbine]

Tony - mud turtle......lol....perfect description.

Leon - thanks buddy



Bob

[thug626]

Oh yeah! The Brother Bob Heavy Armaments production line is moving! Outstanding work.

Dave