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Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 7:48 pm
by tankme
Box looks very much like a soldier opened it. Sometimes the MRE boxes would get wet and then when you go to open them they basically just become a big mess of wet cardboard. The pouches in US MREs are completely sealed so even if the box gets wet it doesn't harm the fine dining cuisine inside...lol
Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 10:52 pm
by HERMAN BIX
And you need a bayonet to open those packets too !!
The large carton should have smaller boxes inside but I’ve yet to venture into that rabbit hole.
Another common feature on Metks are what look to be stretchers or camp cots folded up.
Perhaps they act as both ?
I will give one a go & see how it looks but this weekend is about making a volcano for my Daughters stupid school project

Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 2:25 am
by MrChef
Herr Dr. Professor wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:56 pm
I hope the tarp will be removable so one can see all that great contemporary stowage.
I second that! My favorite piece is actually the blue water jug, but tied for second are the ration boxes and tarp/blanket

Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 3:50 am
by Pavel
BTW!
On the previous chariots the stretcher was an integral part and hung at the back, on this model I did not see this device...
Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 6:16 pm
by tankme
Pavel wrote: ↑Thu Mar 27, 2025 3:50 am
BTW!
On the previous chariots the stretcher was an integral part and hung at the back, on this model I did not see this device...
A lot of Abrams used a "spine board" hung from the basket rungs.
Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:49 am
by HERMAN BIX
https://israelforever.org/interact/mult ... df_tanker/
And this is a snapshot into the life of I'd safely say any Tank crew member.
Note the stretcher/cot on the rear stowage rack.
Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:41 pm
by HERMAN BIX
Rearranged the main stowage again, and this time secured it with Gel super glue.
Its in for the duration !!
Not really certain how much will be visible once the cover goes on, but I know its there & thats the key reason for doing it.
The lower rear stowage cages now need filling. I would love some day packs & MG ammo cans, but unless I make them, thats a negative.

Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 5:53 am
by Rob59
Mr.B, I ran partially through this great topic of yours!
As I am not into modern stuff at all, I do not know anything about it.
I only have German armor from WW2 in my tank collection.
So I noticed these strange things in some pics at the beginning of this topic.
What is that, going into the outside of the track at the idler wheel?
Sounds a bit silly saying this, bit is it something like a handbrake or what?
If it was explained somewhere, I must have missed it…….
I really have no clue.
Rob.

- IMG_4232.jpeg (963.25 KiB) Viewed 585 times
Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 7:47 am
by HERMAN BIX
Gday Mr Rob, thats pretty much what it is.
I believe this machine is in Latrun Museum and is well covered in Prime Portal walkaround.
Its a MKIII with an upgraded MKIV turret I think.
That brace would prevent any accidental movement.
O, the local Council has clamped it for illegal parking !!

Re: MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 12:02 pm
by Rob59
So I pressume it‘s not a stock accessorie an the Merkava than haha