Merkava Mk 4: Work-in-progress 3

Hi folks,
Some more updates on the build... assembly's almost done (85%)

I did some modifications to the last panel of the side skirts on both sides. As you can see below, the vertical frames are too thick for 1/35 scale, so are the horizontal rods. So....
Left panel: 1st 2 vertical beams & the rods removed, leaving only the last in place for me to gauge the height & shape as well for the replacement beams & rods.

The right side panel in process of being removed & you can see the replacement vertical beam(white color) which is much thinner & more to scale.

The replacement rods: The centre vertical panels were drilled through & the replacement plastic rods, 0.5mm diameter, were slotted in.

The completed modified panel. Looks more to scale.

The modified panel attached to the hull.

Close up of left side panel.

Close up of right side panel

The anti slip surface applied to all the horizontal surfaces. As per the previous build(Merkava mk3), the texture was applied in the same manner. A total of 02 layers applied.

Merkava Mk4: Work-in-progress 2

Hi folks,
Some quick updates b4 i zzz...

Rear fenders modification: Original mud guards(right side) were too thick, thus out of scale. These were replaced with thinner plastic plates.
The replaced mud guards.

Rear fenders assembled & attached.

Rear turret basket modification: The rear of the turret has got 3 indents to cater for the original turret basket's antenna mounts. However, as I'll be replacing the turret basket with the resin version, these indents had to be covered up, else looking ugly...

1st pic: 2 of the indents shown.

2nd pic: Indent patched up [see if u can spot it...:)]

Some more areas to patch up. See the grey area? That was originally meant for the antenna mounts; this kit gave a total of 6 antenna mounts..gosh....wonder which tank cmdr was gonna use them all!! haha..so i decided to use only 2 of the mounts (2 antennas instead of 1 always seems nicer on the merkava)

Roadwheels added.

Turret top: Opened hatch version

Resin turret & hull baskets added(the cream colored parts)

Close up of the turret basket( with an antenna mount)

Commander's MG

0.5 HMG completed

Completed turret & hull. Tracks added

Close up of tracks from the front area

Close up of the rear portion.

That's the easy part...

Next tough steps...

1. Applying anti-slip onto the horizontal surfaces

2. Ball & CHain armor beneath the turret basket...

3. Separating the 1 piece side skirts...

Updates next Sunday...

Good nite folks..

Brandon