1:72 Scale Metal Die-Cast – Merkava Israel Defence Force Main Battle Tank - Length: 5.25" (from end of vehicle to tip of the main gun) Width: 2”

 

This Merkava tank model's body is made of metal while the turret is made of plastic. The turret can rotate all 360 degrees. The tracks are made of rubber and are fitted, however they do not move. The coloring and markings are accurate and realistic.

 

The maker of the model, Eaglemoss, really did a good job with the model, the panel lines and details are very clear and crisp. These models have different details engraved such as doors, hatches, panels, lights, ports, antennas, machine guns, ropes, shovels, etc; all of these done with high accuracy and proportion. When they are painted in different color, say for example, shovels and ropes, they are indeed painted accurately.


 

These models come in what could be described as a disposable blister pack. The packaging is very minimum, the blister back is just big enough to enclose the vehicle and the cardboard backing to which the blister is attached is barely bigger than the lengths and width dimension of the vehicle.


Although these models are inexpensive and just about the size of a (regular) computer mouse, they are certainly not toys. The tracks don't move and the turrets and their main guns and machine guns can be quite fragile because of their size. 

The Merkava (HebrewAbout this sound מרכבה , "chariot") is a main battle tank used by the Israel Defense Forces. The tank began development in 1973 and entered official service in 1979. Four main versions of the tank have been deployed. It was first used extensively in the 1982 Lebanon War. The name "Merkava" was derived from the IDF's initial development program name.

It is designed for rapid repair of battle damage, survivability, cost-effectiveness and off-road performance. Following the model of contemporary self-propelled howitzers, the turret assembly is located closer to the rear than in most main battle tanks. With the engine in front, this layout is intended to grant additional protection against a frontal attack, especially for the personnel in the main hull, such as the driver. It also creates more space in the rear of the tank that allows increased storage capacity and a rear entrance to the main crew compartment allowing easy access under enemy fire. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an Infantry fighting vehicle. The rear entrance's clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel.