Merkava Mk.I Hybrid
Takom 1:35 Scale Kit #2079
Preview by Terry Ashley
Kit consists of:
- 455 parts in light grey plastic (includes 48 link and length track segments)
- 16 clear plastic parts
- 4 etched brass parts
- 1 length of braided copper wire
- 1 small lead sheet
- 1 decal sheet
- 1 x 17 page instruction booklet
Metal parts
The standard of moulding is excellent with virtually no flash or visible pin marks to deal with although there is the odd occurrence of both overall the kit is very clean. The details are crisp and well defined such as the upper hull weld seams on the engine deck and other finer details, there is no non-skid texturing on the upper surfaces.
The suspension is particular well detailed with a large jig provided to ensure the axles on the three twin bogie units all align correctly, this same jig is used to form the link and length track runs also for easy fitting to the running gear.
With the road wheels, there are 12 steel rimed wheels and 2 optional ribbed wheels for the 1st wheel station if you wish? The outer steel wheel has the rubber rim section separate to give the lip details for an excellent appearance with separate hub caps on all wheels.
The rear two-part Idler wheel doesn't have the holes around the disc faces but you are provided with another jig template to fit over the idler discs so you can drill the 1mm holes in the correct positions.
Idler wheels, you will need to drill the holes around the idler face and are given a template ring to slip over the idler to drill the holes in the correct position.
Detail on the lower hull tub and upper hull is also nicely done with separate driver's hatch although there is no interior, the large two-part rear entry door is also separate and can be shown open or closed with alternate latch detail depending on your choice.
The rear storage containers are indicative of the kit details with nicely textured 'canvas' sections, frames and etched screen included while the side skirts are in segments with the large mounting brackets as per the real thing.
The turret shell is another excellent moulding with just some fine mould lines to be cleaned, there is again no non-slip surface texturing but the other detail included are crisp and well defined, the crew hatches and rear bustle hatches are all separate but again there is no interior to show off.
The main gun is in two halves with nice thermal sleeve and clip details with separate muzzle (also in two halves) with the gun mounting having nice 'canvas' texturing where needed, the gun can elevate after assembly if you wish?
The rear turret rack has the chain 'armour' finely moulded in plastic and is quite effectively done overall with the insides of the chain links hollow and just the odd bit of fine flash to contend with on some.
The additional details include the smoke grenade racks fitted to the 'Hybrid' and the weapons assortment add the very busy feel of the assembled turret.
The track detail is well defined and just some very shallow pin marks on the inside faces to deal with, the jig as mentioned will aid in assembling the track runs to fit snugly to the running gear.
Option 1: Option 2: |
First impression in the box look excellent, some nice crisp details, the suspension is nicely detailed and the lip effect on the road wheel rims excellent, the inclusion of the jigs for the suspension and track assembly should make this assembly trouble free.
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Sprues
Sprue Detail Images
Instructions
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