Takom
Merkava Mk.I Hybrid
Takom 1:35 Scale Kit #2079
Preview by Terry Ashley
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The kit:
This is a basic introductory Preview of the new Takom kit #2079 Merkava Mk.I Hybrid kit and being basically a contents preview there won't be in depth analysis of the accuracy or such at this point, just a brief description along with the images to show you what's in the box.

Kit consists of:

Clear plastic parts
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Metal parts
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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.

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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.
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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.

Tracks:
The tracks are link and length with long sections of track for the top and bottom runs and individual links for around the drive sprockets and idlers, there are some additional spare track links included for storage.

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.

Link and Length tracks
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Decals:
The small decal sheet is well printed and has markings for two Merkavas.

Option 1:
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Option 2:
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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.

The Details:

Click on thumbnails for larger view
Sprues
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Sprue Detail Images
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Instructions
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Thanks to my traumatised bank account and BNA Modelworld for the Preview kit.
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to help the reviews to continue, thank you


Page created September 23, 2017



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