HEAVY HITTER: BUILDING ACADEMY’S 1/35 MERKAVA 2D

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Paul Cawte completes Academy’s 1/35 Merkava 2D, arguably one of the most stylish and futuristic-looking of all tanks.

Introduced in 1979 and now in its fourth incarnation, nothing symbolises the Israeli military more than the indigenous Merkava (Cheetah) tank. Unique among other tanks, due to its front-mounted engine and clamshell doors at the rear, it is a vehicle designed for the Israeli Army’s particular set of needs, with a focus on crew protection. The 2D variant evolved from the 2B when the latter’s vulnerabilities to anti-tank guided missiles were exposed in Lebanon.

This prompted the Israeli military to develop an advanced armour package for the Merkava 2, the result being the D model (the letter – ‘dalet’ in Hebrew – refers to its fourth-generation armour). Confusing the matter somewhat, the vehicle is also known as the Merkava 2 Bata’sh, which is an acronym meaning routine or overall security. Plus, due to the Israeli habit of retrofitting new technologies to older models, distinctions between variants can become somewhat blurred.

Full to the brim

Within the box was a wealth of sand-coloured parts, comprising eight runners – four of which consisted mainly of wheels – separate upper and lower hull, vinyl tracks, decals and a length of nylon thread to replicate the towing cable. A small PE fret provided an exhaust grille and two smaller engine covers – the latter were omitted as they didn’t appear to be commonly fitted. As with all of Academy’s newer releases, the detail was first-class. Studying the parts, the only obvious omission was the non-slip coating present on the upper hull and turret. So, prior to any construction. These and other components identified using references, received aftermarket texture (see Getting a grip). Legend production’s LF1290 Merkava 2D detailing set was added to the project to add further refinement (see Legendary detail).

Above: Academy’s upper hull lacks the Merkava’s conspicuous anti-slip sections, so Vantage Modelling Solutions’ Hull Tex product was used to create this coating.

Above: The same was true of the upper turret component, with extensive amounts of the non-slip coating on the surface, again replicated via Hull Tex.

Above: Small PE data plates and circular disks required attachment along the side skirts and across the upper portions of the vehicle.

Skirting the issue

The first stages of construction dealt with the attachment of armoured side skirts and various small parts to the upper hull. Two varieties of side skirts were provided; an older pattern with a scalloped bottom edge and the more modern Merkava 4-style selected for this build. Initial references indicated Academy may have incorrectly added rubber-type panels on the later-style versions, but a photo found online revealed this configuration, although it’s not known how commonly this is fitted. Prior to their attachment, the skirts were cut into separate pairs of panels for a less uniform – yet more realistic – appearance, as they often hang unevenly on the actual vehicle. Further realism was added by distressing the ‘rubber’ sections and bending others slightly with pliers. Front mudflaps were replaced with those from Legend’s PE set, which also supplied several small data plates and circular disks that required attachment along the side skirts and upper portions of the vehicle. Academy’s rendering of these had been carefully removed previously via a micro-chisel.

Above: Once dry, the Hull Tex-treated parts were primed to help seal the coating in readiness for subsequent handling, as its durability was uncertain.

Above: Side skirts were cut into individual panels for added realism and to match reference photos; the lower edges were distressed carefully with pliers.

Modular Merkava

Due to its added armour package, the Merkava 2D has a sleek and busy-looking turret, which was captured well by Academy. Handrails and other smaller items were secured before the upper and lower parts were mated, sandwiching the main gun. The latter’s barrel was sensibly moulded, which made tidying of the seams easier, but modern versions are unfortunately notoriously complex, so some work was still needed. Clamps were required to hold the turret halves together while drying; this was the only time any assistance was necessary – testament to the kit’s excellent engineering. Annoyingly, when Legend’s beautifully cast fully loaded turret basket was held against the Academy part, it was dimensionally a few millimetres smaller. While this wasn’t noticeable it did make for a challenging fit, requiring careful removal of excess resin and endless checking. Various smaller details – or their resin and PE replacements – were then attached to the turret. Two styles of commander’s hatch were provided, each corresponding to the side skirt choice made earlier.

Above: Legend Productions’ Merkava 2D detailing set provided a wealth of resin parts – including a beautifully cast turret basket – plus two PE frets and lengths of different gauge chain.

Above: The Merkava’s main gun barrel was moulded sensibly, which made clean-up of seam lines a little easier, despite its complex form.

Above: Clamps were required to hold the turret halves together while drying, the only time during the build any assistance was necessary – testament to the excellent fit of the parts.

Ball-and-chain armour

A distinct feature of all Merkavas is the ingenious anti-rocket-propelled grenade arrangement around the rear of the turret – one that’s challenging to replicate in styrene. Academy’s attempt is acceptable, but it was decided this was an area that could definitely be improved, courtesy of Legend’s upgrade set. Two methods are provided, both which required the attachment of small metal balls: the first uses a PE representation of the chain lengths (but appears rather ‘flat’), while the second utilises small lengths of actual chain. The chosen option was a combination of the two, as the turret attachment was better represented via PE, so a single link was attached to each of the real chains. Attaching the individual balls was frustrating, as the cyanoacrylate meant they often attached to anything other than the desired chain – which was a time-consuming and rather unpleasant process. As always, once finished, better methods become clear, but admiring one’s labour if successful makes you quickly forget the previous stresses.

Above and below: The kit’s ball-and-chain-armour just couldn’t compete with either of the aftermarket options. The most accurate method of creating the ball-and-chain rig was deemed to be removing all but the first PE link, on to which the real chain length was then attached.

Thin wire and styrene strip of various gauges were employed to replicate the smoke grenade cabling and other details across the turret. Three roof-mounted machine guns adorn the upper surface and replacements for these were provided in the detail set. Experience has shown resin machine guns often suffer from bent barrels and Legend’s were no exception. With little previous success in straightening, the decision was taken to retain the kit-supplied guns but to utilise the other resin detail, such as ammunition boxes and PE mounts. These were among the last items added to the turret along with the tow cable – which was held with fine chains – due to their delicate nature once completed. In hindsight, wire was a poor choice for the two cables that ran from the rear of the .50cal machine gun to the commander’s hatch allowing remote operation of the weapon. Once they were positioned, they reduced the ability of the main gun to move. An elastic or flexible material would have been more suitable.

Nineties heritage

The lower hull and running gear had its origins in Academy’s older Merkava 2 releases which, while slightly crude, are acceptable as little is visible on the finished model. At the front, Merkavas regularly have two large towing ‘horns’ with a recovery chain fitted, parts G59 represented this equipment, but these were very basic representations. The real parts consist of chains attached to the vehicle with large shackles, then to the horns themselves via removable pins. Replicating this arrangement started with a series of holes drilled through the horns, with lengths of styrene rod then inserted; these were fitted with retaining rings fashioned from brass wire at one end and brass sheet at the other. A chain was then hooked over these. An unusually shaped shackle attaches the chain to the vehicle front, but for this project a generic 1/72 tank ‘D shackle’ from the spares box was used. Although not entirely accurate, it was a huge improvement over the kit parts.

Above: Annoyingly, Legend’s resin turret basket was slightly undersized, with careful trimming and seemingly endless test fitting required before it would join correctly.

Above: The completed ball-and-chain armour looked excellent, but the process of construction was both time-consuming and slightly stressful.

Above: A host of aftermarket resin and PE items were then attached to the turret’s upper surface, along with several from the kit, making for a busy appearance.

Academy gives the option of displaying the rear clam-shell doors open, but with no interior provided this seemed pointless. Two runners contained parts for the main wheels – earlier-style units are also included and were shown as an option – but this modeller is yet to find a reference source showing a Merkava 2D with these wheels. The resin replacement drive sprockets had accurate cut outs, unlike the styrene versions. Underside belly armour proved frustrating to fit due to its attachment arms appearing too short at one end, so was ultimately left off as it’s only fitted rarely. Rear stowage baskets were replaced with resin items as again, the kit parts featured empty containers. A coat of red primer was sprayed over the lower hull in preparation for chipping effects and wheels pre-shaded a dark brown. All components were then painted with Vallejo Surface Primer 74.614 IDF Israeli Sand Grey (www.creativemodels.co.uk) weathered with pigment powders and oils.

Above: Kit-supplied guns were retained and enhanced with resin details, such as ammunition boxes, PE mounts and strip/rod styrene additions.

Above: Chain, plastic rod, wire and brass were employed to enhance the front recovery system. The result was not entirely accurate, but was a huge improvement over the kit arrangement.

Above: In common with the turret, the resin rear stowage baskets (left) were full of equipment, covered with a section of tarpaulin... and far more convincing than the kit alternative (right).

Wrong tracks, Gromit!

After discovering individual-link tracks many years ago, this modeller has never looked back, so for any kit with ‘rubber-band’ offerings, a suitable replacement set is always one of the first items on the list. For this project, they came from a previously unknown company (from an armour modeller’s perspective) called Wolfpack Models; writing on the box claimed co-operation with both DEF model and Desert Eagle publishing, so no questions over accuracy there. The set used for the build was WP12001 Modern IDF Tank Track 1, the side of the box confirming its suitability for the Merkava 2D. Once on the workbench though, closer inspection of the tracks revealed they were of a different style to the rubber tracks. Immediately, panic set in and despite scouring reference photos, no image of a Merkava 2D with this type of track could be found.

Although perhaps not totally inaccurate, a more suitable set would have been WP12002 Tank Track 2 Reinforced Bata’sh Track, the availability of which was discovered late in the build. Despite disappointment with the choice, the quality of the tracks was excellent, with great detail and minimal clean-up. Minor work was required to fit around the Legend drive sprockets, but the visual improvement was significant. Perhaps if, in the future, either of Academy’s Magach 6B or 7C were to make it on to the workbench the tracks could be donated and therefore the Merkava’s replaced.

Above: The lower hull and running gear had its origins in Academy’s older Merkava 2 releases from the 1990s and included slots for a motor.

Above: Resin drive sprockets (far left) improved on the kit parts due to their accurate cut-outs. Wheels and belly armour then received a dark brown basecoat, after which they were painted and weathered, prior to being attached to the model.

Above: The quality of the Wolfpack tracks was excellent, with great detail and minimal clean-up, but a closer inspection revealed they were a different type compared with the kit’s vinyl version.

Painting and markings

Photos of Israeli vehicles show a variety of shades of Sand Grey, possibly due to lighting or dirt, so no sleepless nights were spent worrying about getting an exact colour, believing any paint of an approximate shade would be sufficient. An initial coat of grey primer was applied, followed by a pre-shade with Halfords’ Camouflage Green spray paint. Vallejo’s 74.614 IDF Israeli Sand Grey was the chosen final colour; this paint required no thinning, so was quick and simple to use. Supplied in a 200ml bottle for around £12, it represented good value when compared with other paints. Once dry, the white horizontal stripe along the barrel was painted, although the complex shapes on a modern tank barrel made this harder than expected, with subsequent touching up required due to overspray creeping under the paint masks.

Above: Although most likely inaccurate, Wolfpack’s tracks were a massive improvement over Academy’s rubber-band-style alternatives.

Above: The main sub-assemblies received Halfords Plastic Primer Grey, after which the firm’s Camouflage Green spray was used as a pre-shade.

Rubber sections on the side skirts and mudflaps were also masked and painted with Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black (www.hobbyco.net). Markings were limited to just two options, one for each side skirt selection, these consisted of the distinctive white chevron, denoting the company to which the vehicle belongs, and gun barrel stripes – these identify its battalion. Small unit markings were applied to the front and rear mudflaps, completing the decaling. Details such as headlights and machine guns were then carefully painted. Israeli tanks have their platoon numbers painted on square wood or fabric panels that are hung on the turret – these often include a character from the Hebrew alphabet. Academy would have the modeller create these themselves; but Legend supplied resin versions that were painted in XF-49 Khaki to differentiate them from the rest of the model.

Above: Vallejo’s 74.614 IDF Israeli Sand Grey Surface Primer was the chosen shade for this project, with this acrylic airbrushed in a series of light coats.

Weathering

Oil washes were used initially to help create depth and unify the paintwork, prior to commencing the application of some serious filth, suitable for a vehicle on manoeuvres. Horizontal surfaces on the Merkava attract plenty of dirt and dust, most likely assisted by the non-slip coating, which tends to ‘hold’ grime on these areas. The 1/35 equivalent behaved the same, which made the application of pigment powders a challenge. Once in place, there was little or no room for movement, a distinct learning point when using Hull Tex in the future.  

Utilising references, weathering along the sides was kept to simple oil washes along panel lines and some fuel spills. As stated, the horizontal surfaces bore the brunt of these effects consisting of washes and pigments. Incidentally, many vehicles showed rather darker earthy shades than the pale dusty desert hues this modeller associated with Israel. AK Interactive’s AK10042 Pencils Set Chipping and Aging was then used to finish these efforts; with no previous experience with this product, the results were pleasing and will definitely be used on future projects. Minimal additional stowage was added, comprising just a bedroll, water bottle and a tarp fashioned from a piece of blue plastic cut from a carrier bag. An aerial was made from white styrene rod, on to which a length of fine EZ-Line was tied.

Above: Israeli tanks have numbers or letters painted on square wood or fabric panels hung on the turret. Tamiya XF-49 Khaki was used to differentiate from the rest of the model.

Above: Decals were applied and small details painted. The complexities of modern tank barrels made masking a white stripe harder than expected.

Above: Minimal additional stowage was added, comprising a bedroll, water bottle and a tarpaulin made using a piece of blue plastic cut from a carrier bag.

Final thoughts

Israeli military subjects are always interesting, with unusual designs often the result of battlefield experience and export embargoes, coupled with giving new leases of life to older vehicles and captured equipment. Thankfully, in recent years these have gained more attention from model companies, with a plethora of kits now available. All variants of the Merkava tank are now produced (albeit via several different manufacturers); Academy’s offerings are always reasonably priced compared with the competition, something sadly we are forced to consider at the moment as costs continue to rise. With the model on the display shelf, it must be said the Merkava 2D is one of the coolest-looking armoured vehicles.

Above: With painting completed, the model appeared rather bright and toy-like, but oil washes helped both to create depth and unify the tank’s appearance.

Legendary detail 

Merkava IID Detailing set – for Academy
By: Legend Productions
Stock Code: LF1290
Scale: 1/35

Legend Productions’ Merkava 2D detailing set provided a wealth of resin parts, two photo-etched (PE) brass frets and lengths of different-gauge chains. As expected, detail and casting were great, but the instructions comprised just colour photos showing the parts in place, which led on occasion to a degree of confusion. The main improvement concerns the replacement turret and rear-hull stowage baskets. While there was nothing wrong with the kit offerings, these are so rarely empty it appeared rather strange they were modelled as such. Alternative machine guns and a more accurate drive sprocket were included, but the distinctive ball-and-chain armour was one area where styrene injection moulding techniques can’t compete with metal items.

Getting a grip

Horizontal surfaces on most modern AFVs are covered with a non-slip texture coating of some description – a feature often omitted by model manufacturers. Replicating this can be difficult and a few ideas were muted for creating it on this model, all involving complex masking and spraying. Luckily, the perfect solution was found, produced by VMS (Vantage Modelling Solutions), known as Hull Tex. It came in two small bottles: one contained the cement the other a fine texture aggregate powder. Application would be familiar to anyone who has handmade Christmas cards coated with glitter. First, a thick, but controllable glue was brushed on to the required location, followed by sprinkling of the aggregate material. Excess was then removed by gently tapping the part on the workbench. Any loose material can be collected and reused. This simple approach meant the coating could be made methodically, one panel at a time. The result was most convincing, and Hull Tex should be placed firmly on the ‘what did I do before this’ list. Once dry, the parts were primed to help seal the coating for subsequent handling as its durability was uncertain. It is available direct from: www.vms-supplies.com and is distributed in the UK via Albion Hobbies.

One-stop shop reference  

Desert Eagle Publishing’s IDF Armour series (available from the www.aviationbookcentre.com) is beyond compare for any Israeli military subject with the authors gaining unprecedented access to IDF Armoured equipment. Its excellent Merkava Siman 2D book (IDF Armour Series No.17) was utilised almost entirely as the only reference source for the build. The book, which incidentally cannot be recommended enough, offers the modeller or enthusiast a wealth of full-colour, in-action and close-up photos of the tank. If any fault could be found it is that it didn’t specify any timeline between the vehicles’ myriad subtle differences. This made it difficult to accurately confirm when changes to side-skirt styles or turret fittings occurred and whether they were retrofitted universally. This modeller can already hear the disapproving groan from an aficionado stating that a tank with “such-and-such would never have this or that fitted!” That said, if you have an interest in Israeli vehicles, a Desert Eagle Publication is the way to go.