MERKAVA MKIV מלחמת חרבות ברזל WAR OF IRON SWORDS,GAZA

[HERMAN BIX]

I also note in your second pic that there are no soft rubber sections on the bottom of the side ERA
skirts ?

[HERMAN BIX]

And looking at the HL model I have here the profile of the side skirt panels are exactly the same but are entirely solid.
The previous image from Getty clearly shows a rubber like material

Hmmm more research required

[tankme]

Most of the Mk4 tanks (of which the HL is), use the rubber on the bottom. I think from that picture, it's it's a prototype or is using the MK3 skirts.

[HERMAN BIX]

Thanks Mr Tankme, I’m off now down the rabbit hole to find out!

[Pavel]

These are rubber sheets.....

[HERMAN BIX]

They certainly are Mr Pavel.
I am curious though at to the H/L model has wavy lower skirts which seem to be an exact replica of the earlier all metal/ERA versions and the ones you show that have a flat lower edge to them, making the ERA/metal panels longer-the rubber shorter and no wavy profile !
I will make mine flat along the bottom edge but the correct length to reflect the examples in service in the Gaza conflict.

https://svppbellum.blogspot.com/2020/01 ... ed-il.html

A bit of light night time reading for those that like MBT chat !

[HERMAN BIX]

Seems the wavy side panels are indicative of late MKIII versions.
To be a proper MKIV this needs to be flat edged.
I'll see what I can do !!

[Pavel]

What the "Chinese comrades" did is a collective image - this is my opinion judging by real photographs, because a lot of the equipment does not quite look like what took place.
Everything is simplified for convenience, even the rear basket was made covered with tarpaulin...
If I have enough health, I will open it......
The mounting bolts on the turret are imitated by some kind of teenage acne.....
The stops of the hatch cover are basically not in the place where the hatch goes down.
The rails for the machine gun are screwed to the turret with countersunk screws, and they have them nailed with nails that also stick out.
I will also make a straight rubber skirt...
I have a lot of time, the main thing is to have enough health...

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Pavel: I am sorry that you are not feeling well. I hope you return to great health soon. I did enjoy your comment: "The mounting bolts on the turret are imitated by some kind of teenage acne."

[Pavel]

With your prayers.....
I just picked up my wife from the hospital, on the 29th they took her with intestinal peritonitis, I'm all on edge.....