COMPLETE - Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

[adampolo13]

Hey guys,

So I wasn't going to post this build until I was done. I haven't taken too many pictures of the build process and some of the pictures I did take are pretty crummy. But, I'm getting pretty close to the end and I took some pictures this morning that weren't half bad. So, Here we go. I hope you enjoy.

All built up:

(Reflective Red for the optics)

(Ball and Chain Armor)

All painted up.

Decals applied:

Weathering has begun:

So, how am I doing?

 

[TBadger]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

Fan-Friggin-Tastic!!! Keep up the awesome ! Thought you went M.I.A since you hadn't posted a build in a while.

 

[spud]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

Awesome

 

[Elm City Hobbies]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

Sweet! How was the ball and chain armor to assemble? I have heard some people say it is a nightmare. But to me looks much better and more realistic than the plastic ones that come in the Academy and Meng kits.

 

[TRM]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

Outstanding Adam!! Weathering is looking beautiful!!!

 

[adampolo13]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

Ball and chain itself wasn't too bad. The biggest thing to watch out for is the PE the chain attaches to, very delicate. I didn't follow the instructions 100%. I attached PE to hull first than attached the chain which gave the PE added strength. Also, for some reason Hobby Boss didn't give me enough length of chain. I had to go to Arts and Craft store to buy more. In the end I think it looks a lot better than the plastic stuff.

Thanks for taking a look.

 

[geegad]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

looks the part buddy love the colour i'm building the MK4 as we speak and im on the ball and chain bit off a BALL ache....but as long as it comes out like yours i will be a happy man

 

[wyoroy]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

Looks fantastic. How did the build go? Any problems?

 

[dasboote34]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

really liking your build Adam, did you have any issues with the kit barrell?

 

[adampolo13]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

I almost forgot about the 2 piece plastic barrel. I took my time with that, really made sure I got a very tight weld, Tamiya Extra thin was used. The two pieces fit very well together. Once it was 100% cured (I waited a few days) I very very carefully sanded.

 

[andrei383]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

fantastic build Adam! i just love the Merkava's and this is great (although i dread the day when i have to make ball and chain armor )

 

[adampolo13]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

Hey guys, so the mojo was flowing big time today. Wife and I went out to pick up a few things and I stopped in A.C. More and picked up some wood for bases and some plaster of paris. Keep in mind I've never made a base like this before so I'm totally shooting from the hip.

(The lower hull is pretty much completely weathered at this point, about to start on the upper hull)

What do you guys think?

 

[wyoroy]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

I think it looks great.

 

[TRM]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

Sweet stuff there Adam!!! Found a home for her I see!! Almost at the finish line!!! ;D

 

[geegad]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

real nice work buddy and looks at home on the base. question what base colour did you use the one im building it tell me to paint ti a dark green

 

[adampolo13]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

The thing about Merkava's and base colors... Now a whole thread could be written about what to paint it. (I read a ton of threads about them.) Make a long story short, you will have to mix your own. I made a HUGE jar of the following. 25% Tamiya Buff, 25% Tamiya Khaki, 50% Tamiya Dark Grey. This gave me a color I liked, but again, there are a lot of opinions out there.

 

[chriss67]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

Adam....I think you nailed the IDF sand color,as with Dunkel Gelb this is open to suggestion.Ifithe color is up to snuff in your eye's then it's done! I think what you have here is a fine example of well executed paint&weathering I love it!....can't wait to see up close bring it with ya!

 

[geegad]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

cheers i was glad you used tamiya paints thats all i use..i will give your colour scheme a go cheers again

 

[adampolo13]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

cheers i was glad you used tamiya paints thats all i use..i will give your colour scheme a go cheers again

Your welcome. Don't be afraid to play around with the ratio. I went with a lighter color (so my pre-shade would show) but there are plenty of Merks that have a very dark paint job. I think more Khaki and less buff in that case.

 

[Aaron Jefick]

Re: Hobby Boss 1/35 Merkava Mk III.D

It looks great, is more to say that the model could finish it in a weekend, excellent finish, congratulations.