Israeli Military Vehicle Review

ModellTrans Modellbau MT 72204 1/72 scale M113 Zelda II IDF with interior  by Damain Elliot

23 parts, light cream resin, No warping and No bubbles

ModellTrans Modellbau’s release of the Merkava MkIIIb upgrade is designed to convert Revell’s 1/72 scale Merkava IIIb into a later variant of the vehicle than that depicted in the Revell kit. Like the real thing, the turret is that major change, with a whole new turret being the largest casting provided in the conversion kit.

All parts have a casting lug which needs removal, and none of the parts provided displayed any warping or air bubbles. There was minimal flash on some of the smaller parts that needed removal.  There are no instructions, so good photo references are essential to complete this conversion.

Compared to the Revell kit, the differences in the new turret relate mainly to the layout of the turret top with various differences in the layout of components on the turret top.

The turret is essentially one solid casting to which some of the smaller fittings are added, the largest part being a separate piece for the bolt-on appliqué armour for the turret front This gives the new turret a very different appearance to the kit supplied variant when viewed from above. There are also a number of areas on the new turret where the detail is enhanced or added when compared to the Revell turret.

New separate commander and loaders hatches with more in scale features to those supplied in the kit are included, another MAG58 to complement the kit supplied one, a new cradle for the it supplied MAG58 and new smoke discharges are also included, along with some smaller stowage items like fire extinguishers, jerry cans (both in and out of a stowage rack) and the ubiquitous folded stretcher. The Revell ball and chain arrangement beneath the rear turret bustle is to be used.

A replacement gun barrel complete with textured canvas mantlet cover and separate travel lock replaces the slightly undersized barrel supplied in the kit.

Two wheels depicting the solid steel items of the prototype are also included (the front two rubber rimmed wheels of the Merkava series have been replaced with solid steel wheels for the front two wheels on the IIIb variant due to excessive wear on the prototype).

All in all this is an easy to build, excellent quality conversion with a high definition of detail.