1:35 Merkava Mk1/2 Suspension Set (2 pieces)

Merkava Mk1 and Mk2 suspension — resin in 1:35

Resin castings replacing the suspension units on the side of the hull. The name states two pieces. This is not a kit of the vehicle but a replacement for parts that on this design are more visible than on any other tank.

What distinguishes this part on the vehicle

The Merkava has its suspension arranged as coil springs in units attached to the outside of the side of the hull, not hidden inside. Anyone building this tank is therefore building its suspension as well — all of it is on show, between the road wheels, and the side of the model looks empty without it. A coil spring is meanwhile a difficult shape for injection-molded plastic: the mold cannot get between the coils, so they are divided by a parting line and the gaps between them tend to be filled in. A resin casting is made in a mold that can manage undercuts, so a spring looks like a spring and you can see through between the coils. In 1:35 that is a visible difference, because the unit sits on the edge of the silhouette.

Working with resin

Wash the castings in warm water with detergent and let them dry properly. Cut the casting block off with a saw at a point where it does not reach into the coils of the spring, and level the mating surface on abrasive paper — both units have to sit at the same height, otherwise the road wheels will not line up straight. They are glued with cyanoacrylate glue; when trying them dry, mark the position with a pencil. Sand wet and with respiratory protection.

Who the set is for

• Builders of models of Israeli equipment in 1:35 scale
• Modelers who are bothered by filled-in gaps between the coils of a plastic spring
• Those building a model with the running gear exposed and without side skirts
• More experienced modelers used to cutting casting blocks

The accessory is supplied unpainted. Glue, paints and the base kit are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.