Merkava IV...Academy or Hobby Boss?

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Does anyone know of a good review of either kit? Or, does someone have some thoughts to share?

Thanks for your time!

2

Trumpeter? Are you talking about the old Trumpeter Merkava? Trumpeter’s Merkava is an Mk.I, a bad copy of Tamiya’s Merkava I, modified to be a motorized kit (just like Trumpeter’s T-72). Academy’s offerings are Mk. II, Mk.II w/ mine roller, Mk.III (a prototype), Mk.IV and Mk.IV LIC. All of them are acceptable, maybe the “weakest” kit is the Mk.III as it depicts the prototype, nothing to do with in-service vehicles. Hope this helps. Best regards.

José.

3

Hobby Boss has a brand new Merkava IV out just recently you might want to consider also.

4

Sorry Guys, I did mean hobby boss and Academy…any comments?

Thanks guys,

Bwog

5

I haven’t seen or built either kit, but this article regarding the HB kit was interesting…

http://idf-in-scale.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2153&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

It appears there is an offset in the suspension arm mountings when there shouldn’t be one.

6

I would say it’s hands down Hobby Boss for me. If only for the non-slip surfaces of the HB. it will be my only choice.

7

I see, so It was Hobby Boss… Its is more expensive than any Academy offering, but it comes with actual chain and balls for you to assemble… And non-slip texture for hull and turred, not 100% accurtae, but it is something else. I think most recent Academy kits also include this texture. The worst point of Hobby Boss kit are as mentioned, the suspension arms. check this thread on Armorama about how to fix it:

http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=SquawkBox&file=index&req=viewtopic&topic_id=171668&page=1

Again, Hope this helps. Best regards.

José.

8

Gents,

Thanks. In the end I don’t want to drop that much $, and have to fix so much. I’ll likely wait until new Merkava variants are released by HB or there is an affordable/easy solution.

again thanks for your time and input!!

Bwog

9

I would not give up on it if you genuinely want to build the vehicle. To fix the Hobby Boss one, it is work, but basic modelling work at its finest. Otherwise, just start with the Academy kit.