This is my first attempt at an armor piece. This model was built about 3 years ago now. It was not a fun build as I managed to lose the turret end piece and the tracks gave me fits beyond belief. I’m also not happy with the weathering I did on the MBT either.
As y’all can see, I have a VERY long way to go before my work looks as good as the work posted here. 
Anyways, any input on what I can do to enhance my skills, especially weathering, would be greatly appreciated.
Phantom it looks great, don’t give up you are getting there. I just finished my first build so I understand how you feel. I would say that the tracks may need a little dirtying up. Just a thought.
Jeff
Who makes this kit?
Karl,
This looks like the Academy kit. The Mk III kit is a bit off in parts, as it represents an early/pre-production vehicle. It’s said to be inaccurate in a number of areas, especially the suspension and wheels.
Having said that, I have one in the stash to be tackled some time soon, and it’s going to be done OOB, inaccuracies be damned!! [8D]
Apparently there is a Mk IV coming very soon - I hope Academy does a better job this time.
Thanks, Phil–bummer about those accuracy issues! I always thought this was a wicked-looking tank!
I wonder why DML never attempted one of these? Why is Academy the only manufacturer to tackle the latest Merkava’s?
It is the Academy kit guys. This kit was actually quite a neat one. White metal for the armor protection around the turret and all. The tracks were the worst though. I had more trouble trying to get those things to fit and look decent. I broke 2 sets trying to get them to fit.
I guess you could definitely say I got my feet wet on that kit. As much of a pain as it was though, I wouldn’t mind building it again, only better this time.
I didn’t dirty up the tracks too much on this because I was looking to possible replicate a MBT that was perhaps patrolling the streets of Gaza trying to keep the peace. Plus I was afraid of screwing up the weathering beyond the point of no return…
Bri
I’m currently building this myself OOTB (along with a Tamiya Challenger 1 and Chieftain)…I can agree with you on the tracks, awful stiff unstretchable vinyl, I do like the separate tyres though wish more manufacturers did that.
I’ve got the plastic ball/chain protection though which looks a bit sh*te but whether I can be arsed using real chains…I doubt it. Saw someone selling merkava friul metal tracks for £6 on ebay (normal is £23)…should have bid on those!!
Yours looks okay to me, the overall colour seems a bit too light/beige for me, most Merkavas range from a green, grey to an orange ochre, maybe a darker wash? If it’s rolling through Gaza, it might be clean(ish) but the major weathering will be lots of dust.
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I can take a wild stab at that… In my experiance, the price of the academy kits are normally alot lower then the higher end companies, and they reuse alot of parts from older kits if they can be used with newer kits. This saves them cash, and since they sell more because there cheaper, they bring in more, allowing them to produce alot more then other companies who have to produce more general populous friendly kits, like panzers.
As far as you build goes, I like it, Im not a rivet counter by any means and I didnt notice any inaccuracies. ;I think it looks top notch [tup]
What you have so far looks stunning man.[;)][tup]
I have built a Merkava IIID. Mine was a legend conversion kit. I know that they do make the ball and chain as a kit only. Just a fair warning on that. It is a PITA. I ended up scrapping the first attempt and starting over. Nothing like 4 links of chain, 2 pieces of wire to act as the mounting piece and the piece to mount to the ball.
As for improvements the color would be the best thing to change or improve for your next IDF vehicle. Like said before IDF vehicles tend to be a grayish green. Tending more to the gray. Desert Eagle makes an excellent book on the Merkava III Batash. THe book does have color pictures and of the various Merkava III’s. Also for a refernce the tankograd IDF book is excellent as well. That one is a bit pricey but if you can find it on sale it is worth the buy. I bought mine from Squardon.
But as for the weathering you have the well used look going great. But from what I have found the IDF keeps real good care of their vehicles. They get dusty and dirty, but not to beat up.
But never get down on yourself to much. We are all learning and improving our skills. I speak from personal experience. The constructive critisim here on the forum has improved my skill a great deal. Heck, I am still learning and getting better all the time.
Hope this helps and please it is only constructive critisim. You have a great start on building and I look forward to see more of your builds.
Kim
Like’s been said, keep at it. weathering is probably the hardest part of the finishing process to make look convincing. As for the tracks, they are the worst part of most any Academy kit, unless it’s a Tamiya knock-off, IMHO. The Friul tracks, while pricey, do make a better model. I’ve the the -II in progress (story of my life…) that is so much closer now that I put the Friuls on…
Accurate or not, it’s a neat-looking tank.
First attempt? Doesn’t look like it to me! that looks very good. I especially like the weathering… nice and beat up! Just keep at it and you’ll be producing great models
-Brandon
I appreciate the constructive criticism from everyone. It is appreciated VERY much! I am benching the Hummer for right now as I decided to tackle the Italeri Elefant kit instead. I will get pics posted of the progress so far on that once I get my camera sorted.
I love building any IDF pieces, aircraft or armor. I was able to partake in an exchange program when I was in the USAF and had the distinct honor and privelage to work on their aircraft. It’s amazing what the Israelis can do to our “old” equipment to retrofit them for modern day conflict. I look forward to building at least one more Merkava III and any other Merkavas I can get my hands on in the future.
Again, thanks for the input and critiques. They are GREATLY appreciated!!!