fu_manchu Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 (edited) Hello I basically stopped doing Armour in about 2008, with my last proper tank build way back in 2010, however there were a couple of things I had always wanted to build. One of these was a late Merkava 3's. I didn't fancy the full blown Legend version so when the Meng version was announced I knew I had to go for it. The kit itself goes together really well and the detail is superb. It lacks any non-slip coating or the bags/covers for the storage area, so for the non-slip I used Rustoleum textured paint after copious amounts of masking to the hull and turret. The rear storage bags were polystyrene wrapped in PVA soaked tissue with similarly soaked tissue for the lids and the cover for the turret storage bin. The one 'main' issue is that the hull top was quite warped where it is cut out for the exhaust. Whilst easy to fix with staged gluing of parts, I didn't notice this at first and I glued the skirt mounts on before correcting the warp. This meant that when it was all straight they were slight out of line, but it was too late to do much about it. I kinda enjoyed the build, the non-slip was a bit of a chore but it turned out ok. I also haven't got any pigments left so weathered it purely with an airbrush. It is painted with Tamiya Acrylics. Hope you like it. Cheers Ian Edited August 7, 2012 by fu_manchu 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Vale Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 I think it looks great, I like the faded dusty green. I've must admit I've been looking forward to seeing one of these made up. They're very futuristic-looking tanks, not quite like anything else. Your non-skid surface looks excellent, and the ball-and-chain screen behind the turret seems to hold up well - is it all injection moulded? Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radleigh Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 If you always finish a build like this, you should do more! Looks great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevehnz Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Thats a most impressive build of this very interesting tank. The LHS had some of these in stock & the boss showed one to me, I was really impressed by the amount of plastic in the box & for a moment almost took up 1/35 armour. looking at your build & taking into account Wills comment about how futuristic it looks, I've not realised before how much the turret resembles the Millenium Falcon. Oh well, I think so anyway. Super bit of modelling. Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fu_manchu Posted August 7, 2012 Author Share Posted August 7, 2012 I think it looks great, I like the faded dusty green. I've must admit I've been looking forward to seeing one of these made up. They're very futuristic-looking tanks, not quite like anything else.Your non-skid surface looks excellent, and the ball-and-chain screen behind the turret seems to hold up well - is it all injection moulded? Will Cheers guys. Yes, the kit is all injection (apart from the string rope and lead foil for the ID panels). You can hold off building the rear basket until the end to avoid damaging them too much and some can be added right at the end. I also initially left the balls attached to the plastic runners so that they had their combined strength. Only towards the end did I free them up to individual ones. I did manage to break one, but it glued back on perfectly, so I was quite relieved by that! Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dj prest Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 that is nice, i might get one having seeing yours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Starling Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Brilliant job on the Merkava. Weathering is exactly right for my taste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Looks great... proper dusty, like one would be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanandjuanunited Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Like this. Very nice indeed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmoss Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 (edited) Looks great - well done Edited August 8, 2012 by gmoss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSTON Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 EXTRAORDINARY Merkava. BEAUTIFULLY dirty,the weathering is sprinkled with subtle workmanship. AWESOME JOB! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theclay Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 nice model Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Superbly done! Regards Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzH Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 Prior to 2001 I only built armour, since then I mainly do aircraft but it's always good to go back to your roots.. That is one great build, you have there, worth all the masking..! Very nice job.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fu_manchu Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 Thanks for the comments guys. OzH - me too, I was exclusively armour until I did an 'opposites' build on another site, that was the first aircraft I had done since I was a kid and i was a total convert! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanM Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 Very nice job Sir! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbuna Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 Very nice and a nice subtle weathered paint job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now