Tamiya 1:35 Merkava MBT

The kit proposed by Tamiya company includes a plastic model kit of Israeli main battle tank in 1:35 scale.

Israel has been involved in the almost constant conflict with all of its neighbors since its creation. Military supplies from the west were not always available due to the pressure of the Arab states. Constant threats and wars forced the Israeli military to undertake a plan to build their own armored vehicles. Work on the main battle tank began shortly after the Six-Day War and intensified after the Yom Kippur War and resulted in the prototype construction of the new tank in 1974. Five years later, after a series of tests and improvements, the vehicle entered service under the name of Merkava. The new Israeli MBT was distinguished by its design against other vehicles of this class. Constructors have placed particular emphasis on crew protection and comfort, due to the limited human resources of Israel. Unlike the classic tank layout, the engine is in front and the Merkawy combat compartment is located at the rear of the vehicle. There is an air-conditioned system and it is equipped with a water cooling system, which greatly influences the condition of the crew and its combat value in desert conditions. The evacuation door is located at the rear of the vehicle and facilitates escape in case of damage. The security system is equipped with special ammunition containers that prevent from firing when hit. The first Merkava was armed with 2 MGs and a 90mm main gun. In the Lebanese fighting in 1982, Israeli tanks proved their high combat value in the confrontation with the Soviet T-72 tanks. The experience gained during the development of the tank also has been gained.

The Tamiya kit allows you to build a model of the modern Israeli main tank Merkawa with the commander. There is a hull element in the box, 4 frames with plastic elements, mesh for transporting basket, transparent visors, rubber tracks and decals.

Plastic parts should be cut out of frames, fit together and glued according to the assembly instruction. You should paint the whole model using modeling paints according to the proposed paint scheme in the instruction. It is important to remember that some plastic parts require painting before gluing. In the end, it is needed to apply decals according to markings or graphics in instruction.

Paints suggested by the manufacturer for the best effect:

Vehicle:

• Tamiya XF-59 (armor)
• Tamiya XF-1 (rubber parts)
• Tamiya XF-56 (caterpillars, tools, towing cables)
• Tamiya XF-57 (cannon running, stretcher)
• Tamiya X-10 (KM-y)
• Tamiya XF-62 (ammunition boxes)

Commander:

• Tamiya XF-62 (helmet)
• Tamiya XF-64 (headphones)
• Tamiya XF-61, XF-49 (uniform)
• Tamiya XF-1 (shoes)
• Tamiya XF-15 (skin)

Set contains:

• The assembly instruction.
• Frames with plastic parts.
• Decals.
• Rubber tracks.
• Crew member.
• Mesh.

Kit does NOT contain paints and glue.

Here are the basic tools and materials you need:

• Pilers for cutting plastic parts.
• Modeling penknife.
• File or sandpaper.
• Cement for plastic models.
• Brush or airbrush.
• Modeling paints.

If you are not sure of any accessories or colors of paints you need for your model kit, please ask us, we will be glad to help you.