1:35 IMI120 Gun barrel for “Merkava” Mk4

PANZER ART 1:35 barrel for the Merkava Mk4

An accessory for 1:35 military vehicle modelers from PANZER ART. The set holds a replacement barrel for the Israeli 120 millimeter tank gun for a model of the Merkava Mk4 tank. The replacement barrel is perfectly straight, has no parting line and keeps the correct shape of the muzzle, which on a plastic part is easily damaged while sanding. The model of the tank is not included in the package. And with a long barrel, the slightest bend in the plastic part is enough to make the model look crooked, even if the rest is built carefully.

The real subject

The Merkava is an Israeli main battle tank that differs from the others in its layout: the engine is at the front and serves as additional protection for the crew, while at the rear this leaves a compartment with a door through which the wounded can be carried out or soldiers loaded. The Mk4 version carries a 120 millimeter gun and is among the best-protected tanks of today.

Use

• cut the original plastic barrel off at the face of the mantlet and widen the hole with a small drill
• fit the barrel dry and check that it is on the same axis as the turret
• glue with super glue, which holds best on a joint between different materials
• wash the part before painting and give it a primer, or the paint may not hold
• fit the barrel at the end of the build so that it is not damaged while handling the model

The set is meant for more experienced modelers. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.