MERKVA Mk.1 Hybrid

Once again I was sucked in by the box art.  I had not really desired to build a Merkava but the good reviews I had been reading about the Takom kits coupled with a  web sale I stumbled upon and did I mention the box art? BOOM she was on my bench within a few weeks skipping ahead of the 15+ projects that I had going in Jan '18.  In the few weeks prior to receiving the kit I decided to try a few new techniques and products on this build (discussed below)

As always, I followed the instructions in sequence starting off with the lower hull, running gear and tracks.  Meng supplied 2 jigs for the track assembly that were a joy to use.  The length and link track went together easily.  Overall the only build issue I ran into was associated with the tow cable.  There are two cables in parallel that fit into the clamp at the end.  I had to shave down the cables to allow them to fit in the clamp.  Other than this, assembly went off without a hitch.

In the weeks before I received the kit I purchased two AMMO by MIG paint sets.  The first being the Black & White set (7128).  Although this set gives you basically matte black and matte white it's main component is the Transparator. It also gives you a washable matt white that can be used to give you a weathered winter white wash.  I will be trying that out on the next Sherman I build.  For this build I tried modulating the black and white undercoats, spraying darker in the recesses and lighter on the top surfaces.  The second set I got was the special addition of the Israel Defense Forces (7163).  I mainly used Real IDF Sand Grey 73 mixed 70/30 with the Transpartor.  The Transparator makes the base paint semi-transparent thus allowing the white & black undercoats to slightly show through the grey main coat.  I had never used this product, but sense using it on this kit I can't stop using it.  For once everything came out as advertised. 

Another new product I attempted with this build are the cardboard boxes in the stowage bin.  I found them on the net at Matho Models out of Belgium.  They come printed on card stock that looks right for 1//35 scale.  Assembling the boxes takes a new sharp blade in your knife and toothpicks to apply glue to the flaps.  A good tip I got a few years back was to use a photo-etch bending tool to pre-bend and crease the flaps before gluing.  This worked well and the boxes came out pretty good.

The remainder of the finishing was pretty standard with washes, dry brushing and pastels for weathering.  The only extra things I added not supplied directly with the kit are the stowage and the antennae .  The antennae are from stretched sprue and the bent forward one was difficult to look right.  (I think I must have attempted that bend 100 times).

Actual time spent building and weathering was about 50 hours (over a 11 month period).  I had brought it in to our club meeting half done back in April, but it took me 7 months to finish it.  All in all I'm happy with the outcome and will definitely build more Takom kits, when I get a good deal on them and I finish the other 15 projects still on my bench.

Thanks for looking - George