Takom Merkava Mk1 Hybrid

Bernard
Good job! I'm getting back into modeling after a long absence. I've not built tanks before, or a Takom. How was the kit, did you like it? The detail is very nice. Also, while doing some reading, I got the sense that some don't like using stock tracks but like to get aftermarket ones. Are these the ones that came with the kit? I think they look great.

Andrew Gledhill Yazar
Hi Bernard. I wouldn't describe this as a beginner kit. If you have never built a tank before and like the look of a Merkava. Then I recommend to get the older Tamiya Merkava Mk1 kit. Yes, it dates back to the 1980's. But its a half decent kit and it can be bought for less than £25. That kit will have the old vinyl type tracks, which are much easier to work with. This Takom kit has link & length tracks. You get 2 long lengths for the top and bottom, 2 short lengths for the slop up to the drive sprocket and idler wheel. Then you get some individual links to go around the drive sprocket and idler wheel. With these type of tracks, you have to get the placement of the first length just right. If you get that wrong, then you can find the tracks don't fit right. The tracks on this kit were built around a jig that you can see in the photos. They were not easy to do.
The other thing about Takom kits, is that they don't give you any colour call outs of individual parts, like what Tamiya do. All they give you is the scheme sheets at the back of the instructions, and that just shows you the outside views. EG the fire extinguishers on each side of the turret are a Green colour. But that is only shown on the small pictures on the scheme sheet. It is easy to miss that and not detail paint them.
If you fancy doing a tank, then I would advise to look at what you fancy. Then look on Scalemates for the kit and download and study the instructions for that kit. Then you can judge on whether it will be too hard for you to do. I would also look for something that is all one colour, then that would be far easier to paint. Ask again if you want further advise. Good luck with whatever you build.