Merkava Mk1 (Israeli MBT)

A 1:100 detailed model of the first version of the Israeli Merkava MBT, suitable for printing on either fdm or resin printers (separate designs provided).  The Merkava was Israel's first indigenous tank design, dating from the early 1980s.

The first Merkava Mk. 1 tanks were supplied to the IDF in April 1979, nearly nine years after the decision to produce the Merkava Mk. 1 tank was taken. The Merkava Mk. 1 tank has been designed in accordance with experience gained from IDF armored battles in all of Israel's wars since the Sinai Campaign (1956). The Merkava Mk. 1 is unique in its basic concept, common to all generations of the Merkava Mk. 1, according to which armor and survivability of the tank are its basic features. Production of Merkava Mk. 1 continued up to 1983 when the IDF Armor Corps began to receive the Merkava Mk. 2 tanks. The Merkava Mk. 1 tank participated with a high degree of success in the Lebanon War (1982) when the war started Israel had 200-300 Merkava Mk. 1 tank. The Merkava Mk. 1 proved superior to the Syrian T-72 MBT (then the Soviet's newest tank).

This is a model of the vehicle at 1:100 scale in versions suitable for fdm and resin printing.  A common turret is provided, with a hollow version for resin printing if so desired.  Three small MG designs are provided, a 50cal to go over the main armament, and 7.62mm LMGs for the loader and commander.  These can be difficult to print and may require some effort.  The fdm version of the hull comes as a separate main hull and suspension/track units, the resin version is fully integrated.  Again, both solid and hollow versions of the integrated version are provided to suit individual preferences.

The product is offered for personal, non-commercial use.  Derivative designs for personal use may be generated, but neither the original nor derivatives may be shared with others.  Attribution of the design is requested should printed models be exhibited or otherwise shared.  Models printed from this design or derivatives may not be sold commercially.