Meng Model 1/72 Merkava Mk.4M w/Trophy Active Protection System **review and compare** by Erhan Atalay

 

Hello friends,

The Merkava series of tanks has always intrigued me. But as a model, I certainly don't approve of their current use.

When Meng Model released the 1/72 scale Merkava 4D model, I wanted to review it. During the review and assembly process, I made comparisons with the HobbyBoss Merkava IV kit. It's definitely the best molded plastic model kit ever. I highly recommend it. I'll share my impressions below.

Erhan.. 

Summary of parts on diagram..

Sprue A parts...

Sprue B parts

Chains and balls.. A characteristic detail for the Merkava. This detail was previously only available on the Revell Merkava III. For example, it's not available in HobbyBoss kits. Alternatively, only the PE aftermarket kit is available.During the assembly stage, I compared Revell and Meng.

Barrel..

Comparison with HobbyBoss Merkava Mk IV barrel (bottom barrel is HobbyBoss)

Sprue C x2 

The details of the tracks are very nice and easy to assemble...

The turret mold is of very high quality, the details are striking...

HobbyBoss turret for comparison...

I liked the tank hull..

HobbyBoss hull for comparison..

Decal...

We started the assembly.. Suspension system in detail...

The Meng suspension is made of 12 parts, while HobbyBoss provided it as a single piece attached to the body. Easy and quick assembly.  Result: HobbyBoss on top, Meng on bottom...Which one do you prefer?

Wheels and tracks...You assemble it with 58 parts in Meng. Only 18 parts in HobbyBoss. Most importantly, the track comes in one piece in HobbyBoss.

Chains and balls.. Meng on top, Revell on bottom...

and the result.. Meng molded a nice kit, well done...

4D Model 1/72 Chinese HQ-17AE Air-Defense Vehicle (by Kerem Özkır)

 

Hello dear modeler,

Another 4D Model kit by Kerem. The HQ-17AE is an all-weather, low to medium altitude, short-range surface-to-air missile system. 

Thank you for sharing my friend,

Erhan..

Flyhawk Model 1/72 Renault FT-17 Light Tank (Cast Turret) / by Şerif Sadık

 

Dear friends,

I would like to share my latest project with you. I have been doing research on WW1 at the level of curiosity for a while and this pushed me to make a WW1 project. I wanted to evaluate the 1/72 scale FT-17 kit I have. Many of our experienced modeler friends have knowledge, but in case there may still be those who are curious, to briefly talk about the kit; There are enough sprues to produce 2 tanks from the box. In addition, although not very detailed, the PE parts in the box definitely increase the quality of the model. For this reason, it is 100% recommended for 72 scale lovers..

 Please have a look at our box review article.: https://miniafv.blogspot.com/2015/08/flyhawk-model-172-renault-ft-17-light.html

Back to the project, during the assembly of the tank, while I was digging through the reference photos, I came across a photo with some French soldiers and a caisson cart in the background. Therefore my vignette idea was conceptualized. For this reason, I believe that 2 horses, a cart and a few French soldiers, which I printed with my 3D printer, took my vignette to the next level. As a result, it was a work that I felt comfortable with, except for a few mistakes that caught my eye in the photos.See you next time.  Keep with miniafv.

Şerif Sadık...

Completed model...