The Hobbyboss Markava 4 kit, no 82429 has the suspension arm configuration of the Merkava 3. It can be corrected by cutting and repositioning a part of the suspension arm mounts. I never had the opportunity to own a kit or examine one closely so I cannot comment on the detail, fit etc. Their MkIII kits are decent for an OOB build without any serious issues.
There are two versions of the Academy kit, the first release
The LIC version is the better of the two, giving the builder the option to do an early version without the loader’s hatch or a later version with the hatch. The antiskid is molded but not that great, the track has sink marks on the links but it is usable.
Mr. Mass undoubtedly has seen a lot when it comes to IDF equipment. But no one can see everything. That statement sounds more like a guess. So here’s mine - it’s the correct diameter and length for a spare .50 barrel, provided the somewhat useless handle is removed.
There is worse thing about this suspension, they molded it like a Merkava has the torsion bars, so on the right side the all wheel set is moved compared to the left. This is completely wrong, as in the helical spring suspension type the suspension arms are on the same positions on the left and right side.
The first batch had a patch of armor installed for increased turret roof protection. The IDF had a serious case of “we need some more turret roof armor” after some incidents, that is why Merkava 2 and 3 had the extra armor modules added to the turret roofs. This affected the choice made for the Merkava 4.
This was later changed because the crews wanted the hatch (ease of access, easier evacuation etc). Notice how thick are both Merkava 4 hatches. The loader’s hatch swings to rear on a springed hinge.
What puzzles me and i would love to find out is why the loaders on the Merkava 4 do not have a machine gun mount like the previous versions, despite having the hatch added.
It could be, but why would it need to be in a waterproof (or dustproof) case?
Length of .50 barrel: 1143 mm or 45.0 inches.
Scale length of part in kit: 1225 mm - a few extra mm for the rubber plug. Perfect.
