Merkava Mk I finished pics

Looks great! How soon till we see rest?

Nice work. I like the sand on the wheels. Nice touch.

Never been big on Mekrava's, but that doesn't detract my enjoyment of your build. Very effective and nicely weathered. What platform was it based upon? Was it entirely Israeli concepted? Thanks for sharing James.

man that is a beauty-- I always enjoy seeing your work--subtle yet crisp---nice job!--- treadwell

Thanks Tigerman, much appreciated.  The Merkava (Hebrew for Chariot) was concieved by Gen.  Israel Tal who witnessed first hand the utter destruction of the armoured corps of Israel.  The war with Syria and Egypt really lead to alot of tanks being destroyed and Israelis being killed.  He wanted a tank that first and foremost protected the crews from being burned and killed (his philosophy was, tanks can be replaced, but experienced tankers cannot)... soo.. Merkava was born through many disputes with the military budget people and other nations as technology was trying to be developed.  This model represents an early production of this tank and Gen. Tal's commitment to getting tankers opinions on what THEY wanted in a tank protection wise.  Of course this isn't a Merkava IV or a III with the latest in weaponry (none of which have been destroyed).  The Merkava MK. I was destroyed in a few conflicts but none of the crews were killed or wounded because of the clam shell rear access hatch.  The power plant is in the front and the added weight slows the tank down, but it's top armour is the best around. The coolest thing I want to do for one of these models is open the rear access hatch and show it's ability to transport 4-6 infantry men into battle.  You can removed the extra ammo stored in the back and use it as a sort of APC.  For some reason I am enthralled with this tank... I am trying to complete a collection showing the progression of the Merkava through it's debut in 1979 to present.  While there are many different versions and modifications, I do intend to capture it all!

 

Thanks again for the comments guys!

Looks great James!

Nice work. I've got Academy's Mk II & III on the go at the moment. Like you I intend to do all the Merk's, though will have to save a fair bit of coin for Legend's IV. In actual fact I've got half a mind to build most of the armour the IDF have used since the 6 Day War, which means a whole host of other nations' tanks. Didn't start that way, until I got stuck into these 2 Merkava's - now I guess I'm hooked.

hahahah welcome to my world shaun!!!  I built Legend's merk III C conversion and I got incredibly hooked.  I have four other Merks on the go at the moment, and Legend's Merk IV in the wings.  I have an LHS owner who sells/gives me IDF kits that this guy who died used to own.  There's just soo much to build so little time, keep you eye out for my Merk III D and Merk II Batash that are just about finished....  post pics of your merks too man, these I gotta see

Very nice job. One of my two favorite tanks.

She looks mean James, ready for action. Great job.

 

Steve

CDNTanker25 wrote:

Thanks Tigerman, much appreciated.  The Merkava (Hebrew for Chariot) was concieved by Gen.  Israel Tal who witnessed first hand the utter destruction of the armoured corps of Israel.  The war with Syria and Egypt really lead to alot of tanks being destroyed and Israelis being killed.  He wanted a tank that first and foremost protected the crews from being burned and killed (his philosophy was, tanks can be replaced, but experienced tankers cannot)... soo.. Merkava was born through many disputes with the military budget people and other nations as technology was trying to be developed.  This model represents an early production of this tank and Gen. Tal's commitment to getting tankers opinions on what THEY wanted in a tank protection wise.  Of course this isn't a Merkava IV or a III with the latest in weaponry (none of which have been destroyed).  The Merkava MK. I was destroyed in a few conflicts but none of the crews were killed or wounded because of the clam shell rear access hatch.  The power plant is in the front and the added weight slows the tank down, but it's top armour is the best around. The coolest thing I want to do for one of these models is open the rear access hatch and show it's ability to transport 4-6 infantry men into battle.  You can removed the extra ammo stored in the back and use it as a sort of APC.  For some reason I am enthralled with this tank... I am trying to complete a collection showing the progression of the Merkava through it's debut in 1979 to present.  While there are many different versions and modifications, I do intend to capture it all!   Thanks again for the comments guys!

Thanks for answering my question James. What's next?

umm currently I have four more Merks to build and an M109 Doher... I want to do the doher, but I can't find the instructions from "better value models" so until then I'm working on a Merkava Mk II Batash (updated Merk II) and a Merkava III Baz Dor Dalet, both turrets are very Sci-Fi'ish and should be cool when finished.  I just have to get the initiative to do the ball and chains... eesh...