discussion Merkava MkIV

[papa 695]

Nice to see you back onto this one Mick.

 

[Steve Jones]

I echo Ian's comments. You are certainly beating it into submission.

 

[scottie3158]

Mick,
Coming on very nicely.

 

[Guest]

Mick .
Looking good mate.
John.

 

[rtfoe]

Persistence Mick...this is going to look awesome. The IDF carry a lot of baggage and in combat these tanks look raggered with soft body damage like skirts and what nots.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[Mickc1440]

Thanks for the continuing interest gents, slowly working through bits for the turret when the previous owner throws me another curve ball.
View attachment 325854
For some reason part 37 has been cut off the sprue. I’ve looked all over the tank but it’s not in the wrong place. There is a nice piece of PE to go across the front of 37 so I’ll just bodge up something so I can fit it and attach those doors.

 

[Guest]

Not the simplest thing to scratchbuild, but at the same time it looks like you should be able to make a decent enough replica without too much effort, especially if you have the shutters closed.

 

[Guest]

Hi Mick, a nice challence you've taken on, great work so far:thumb2: and looking forward to see this one getting completed.

DIRK

 

[Mickc1440]

It sure is Dirk and it gets better as you’ll see.
Jakko I thought I’d got it sorted with the PE part, Needless to say the shutters are now being closed.
I got the PE part fitted and still got a bit of cosmetic plastic to add.
View attachment 326041
I then found some pics on line and the PE part isn’t right, this is obviously some kind of optics and not a grill doors closed and a bit more plastic to add for hinges.
View attachment 326042
Back to work in the morning so no modelling for three days

 

[Mickc1440]

View attachment 326043
Sat watching tv after posting last pics but it really was bugging me. You can still see the etch so on to plan C, doors back off and I’ll scratch something instead

 

[Guest]

Hello Mick,
I see your dilemma, I've had a look through all of the Merkava IV book and it appears that the only time these doors are open is when the main gun is in use/ serviceing/ bore scoping. Out of the whole book I came across 5 pics of the sight doors open, and they were distant and obscured by the MG.
But this might help if you are going to do the doors closed.
View attachment 326048
FOR DISCUSSION ONLY.

Cheers, Mike.

 

[Mickc1440]

Many thanks Mike, I think it’s the way forward. I found this
View attachment 326050
For discussion only.
Definitely no grill in there, so closed it will be.

 

[Guest]

Many thanks Mike, I think it’s the way forward. I found this
View attachment 326050
For discussion only.
Definitely no grill in there, so closed it will be.

Mick,
Agreed,
Mike.

 

[Guest]

Mick.
Pity after that work, but finding out does stop the nagging . I'm sure it will look OK with the doors closed, and at least you know .
John.

 

[Steve Jones]

I have the solution to the grill issue Mick. The Israelis were using the Merkava more and more in urban warfare. They were concerned about the most sensitive areas of the tank, its optics, exhaust ports and ventilators. So they protected them with a newly developed high-strength metal mesh, which prevents damage from a direct impact from RPG's and most ATGW's. Here are a couple of pictures.

View attachment 326492View attachment 326493

Your doing a great job and we are all with you on this one. Tally Ho!!

View attachment 326494

 

[Mickc1440]

Thanks JR. Great pics Steve, work has stopped for another couple of days thanks to work but at least I know I could go either way with this one.

 

[Mickc1440]

Got a little more done today just needs tidying up. Sorted out the doors and some framing along with hinge rods and other tiny add ons.
View attachment 326928

 

[Guest]

Anglers small lead shot works for the ball and chain aided by a bit of super glue.

 

[Si Benson]

Cracking job sorting that optic thingy....looks a thousand times better with your tiny additions:thumb2:

 

[Guest]

Mick.
That's some great detail shown on that last photo, certainly get your moneys worth .Saves doing all those rivets ! if they are such things on modern armour.:smiling3:
John .