Meng Merkava w/cope cage

[iambrb]

So got this a while back, and as I’m getting back into posting I thought I’d share:

 

[iambrb]

Wow the detail on this is really neat, but you have to be careful, because unlike my previously built Meng Magach 6B Gal, parts on this puppy can be built wrong! I was also surprised that there was flash on parts, despite beautiful molding!

By the way, if you’re ever thinking to yourself “how can I kill an hour of time today?” Well these two turret baskets really are the way to go:

 

[moon puppy]

Good start Bruce.

 

[iambrb]

Ok so coming along nicely! Note that the wheels, upper & lower, plus the cope cage are not yet glued

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[Brokeneagle]

Must have missed this one but getting nothing from the last post?

 

[moon puppy]

Bruce that imaging server must have some links to the images. We're just getting a prompt for account login.

 

[iambrb]

Ok so trying again:

 

[iambrb]

YAYYYYYY!!!!!THANK U BOB!!!!!!

Note that the wheels, upper & lower, and cage are not glued.

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Looking good!

 

[iambrb]

Wow the tiny parts make this kit a real challenge!!! The other end of that tho is the level of detail. This is the mighty M2 which will end up on the barrel. Hard to see in that first pic but all the holes in barrel shroud are there! Same for the muzzle too, and note you can see thru the top cover as well!

 

[moon puppy]

Now to teach you how to insert an image to the post. Nice looking .50!

 

[iambrb]

Ok so here is where things get “interesting.”

This what the instructions depict doing to build the tracks. The issue is that you have to connect to the next set as you build. That requires several sets of hands on a teeny part!

 

[iambrb]

I struggled heavily with this. As this models tracks are different from other Merkava modes, basically my only option are metal links. Current lack of EBay access (long story) means Fruils which are nearly the cost of the kit when delivered. My way to deal with this is going to be to build the links, then cut out the ‘track pins’ (as shown) and press together. It’s going to be laborious but I think this will work. At least, it’s worth a shot

 

[moon puppy]

Looks lke you're over thinking this. these types always have a bit of trickness at the start and finish but building shouldn't be an issue. You've already got a run started so take the bottom track, wedge it in with the pins aligned right then sandwich the top with a tiny bit of glue on the location pin, rinse and repeat.
But you do you.

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Bruce do these have a pin that slides through? If so then the link parts go together first, then the pin slides through to connect the parts.

If the hinge pin is part of one link half then that half isn't assembled until you connect the track that links to it. As Bob said it just takes a little forethought and planning.

I usually assemble the tracks in sets of 10 for the majority of the tracks, with plenty of single unassembled links. Then I assemble the sections and add single links to finish out the correct length.

The partial instructions clip doesn't really show how they actually completely fit together.

 

[iambrb]

There is no pin, per se. the Meng kit has each track cleat in two halves (upper/lower) with the pin built in (parts F1 & F2 in the pic)

 

[iambrb]

Bob, the run that I have pictured is as a result of building the parts up as individual cleats, then using an Exacto to cut away the pins, and pressing them together. This appears to work quite well as you can see, and is how I am proceeding