HobbyBoss 1:35 Merkava Mk.III LIC • Kit No. 82916
Israeli Defense Industries is famous for their very unique ways of vehicle development Unlike any other mainstream defence vehicles, instead of following the normal, modern IDF vehicles are leading the trend with their alien spaceship-like appearance. Their own series of vehicle visual-brand-language are formed over time.
Among all the Merkava tank variants, the MkIII LIC is my personal favourite version of this platform. When traditional main battle tank meets unconventional and asymmetrical urban warfare, it creates a fascinating picture of modern IDF tanks. LIC kit was developed to face this new challenge.
THE KIT
This 1:35 scale Merkava IIID LIC (Low Intensity Conflict) model kit is made by HobbyBoss. It is a good overall injection moulded kit with very sharp parts and rich details. The kit comes in medium grey colour. Personally, I prefer grey kit over tan or green ones for easier surface check. The kit also includes several photo-etched parts like frontal engine exhaust mesh grills, turret chain balls, and tow cable hooks, which can be very helpful to those who are seeking better detail and look without having to deal with after-market photo-etched parts.
I started this project in 2013 as a practice work. Back at that time this kit was the only choice available on the market. Scratch-build parts are needed in some areas. However, in general, this kit did a great job, and I really enjoyed the process of building.
ASSEMBLY
Since at the time there was no after-market photo-etched parts options for this project, my plan was to use photo-etched parts that came in the box, and add some scratch-build parts to enhance the details.
Surprisingly, the assembly process of the kit itself went really smoothly. The only minor issue I encountered during the assembly process is the slits on both side of the turret that needed some putty works. I used #3 quick-drying red Bondo from 3M to fill them up, then using TAMIYA grey putty to cover all the tiny holes and bubbles.
The original track pieces that come with the kit were replaced by workable tracks from MK, which has sharper details and size is more accurate. Now, here comes the most challenging and creative part: scratch-building parts and correcting the kit.
When I assemble a kit I always keep in mind the painting and weathering process to come. In order to make the later processes easier, I left some parts un-glued and separated - side skirt armours, idlers, road wheels, sprocket wheels, machine guns, etc. Note that I put the main gun barrel on the turret but did not glue it yet. The reason for this is that based on my research, the main gun’s axial of this model kit appears to be slightly higher than the one on an actual vehicle. I adjusted the main gun barrel to a lower and more appropriate position.
Fine photo-etch and bolt head detail on the turret.