From what I`ve read so far, most people seem to prefer the HB one to Academy`s, but the reasons I`ve seen don`t really seen to convince me of anything. It`s claimed to just be `better`. But why then was the Academy one hailed as a nice kit on most forums? Anyone fancy making a list of pros and cons? What makes the HB kit better detailed? Why is there a difference in width between Academy and HB lower hulls, making a kitbash futile?

I`d love to hear what`s up with all that

History is Cynical

are like noses! "Hailing" is a funny thing! So many modelers "Hailed" Tamiya's M51! 99.9% of the builds I have seen so far have been major kitbashing to make it look better. So, in my understanding, it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. There is a small discussion over on idf-modelling about the Merks. Mostly about fixing the Hobby Boss kit...

http://www.idf-modelling.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=3069

Yea, it seems to be the misalignment of the road wheels on the Hobbyboss kit. While it's unfortunate they got it wrong, it's not a big deal to me as 99 percent of viewers will never even notice once this kit is built, painted, and weathered.

I built Academys Merk IV almost straight from the box with the addition of new "balls and chains" from Legend, antislip surface made from fine sand and antennaes made from piano wire. It was a easy straightforward kit to build with good fit. The only thing that really anoyed me was ejector pin marks on the rear door between the stowage baskets. I recommend it!

Mark: the list on IDFinscale seems pretty interesting: it has nice parts like the `Se'arot Shulamit` etc, but dives on issues like the suspension position and some wrong hinges. The Academy seems to get some kudos as well, but what makes it nice (apart from the lower price)? Let`s not forget that, even though they`ve improved their game, this is still Academy we`re talking about. Ultimately I`m not looking to buy a cat in a sack...

Thanks so far for your replies

History is Cynical

Hi Benjamin,
I recently built the Hobby Boss kit from the box. Fixed the suspension easily by cutting and realigning one side. I thought Hobby Boss made a very nice job and I even liked their moulded anti-slip. Not had much experience of the Academy version to compare but I don't think you will be disappointed with the Hobby Boss version and ET Models now do a very comprehensive photo etch upgrade set for the HB kit.


More images at:
http://public.fotki.com/afvmodeller/merkava-4/

Regards David
AFV Modeller

I'm also deciding between Academy and HB at the moment. While I find the front of Academy's front lower hull very questionable - positions of a number of things are off as well as dimensions. I do find Academy's turret edge (where the top half meets the bottom) profile looks thin much like the real beasts (although can be a bit more thinner if one seeks finese). Whereas Hobby Boss's turret edge is quite thick and chunky... (reminded me of Legend's overly thick Merk 3D's edge).

In case of miscommunication, I'm actually refering to the "Saucer's" edge thickness - layman term.

If I do decide upon HB's IV (quite likely if nothing else better turns up), besides reworking the suspensions like you did (you made it look so easy!), I'd thoroughly thin down the turret's edges as well... Not sure how I'd do it, but some height has to go...

With the HB hull (modded suspension) and the Academy turret with some HB details? It`s by far not the cheapest option, but I`m worried that the HB turret might have the angles off a bit? Seems more likely than the whole thing being too high.

Either that or the idle dream of a remastered Legend turret in an update set. I do know that their gun barrel looks the most "accurate"

But that`s all going out on a limb.




History is Cynical

Kit bashing both would be quite wasteful, considering both aren't the cheapest.... I've considered sticking to Academy's and then correct the lower front hull's part placements and dimensions but I'm not convinced that it's the best route... (although it's still possible). Not forgetting a plethora of other small parts that needs accurising...

Regarding HB's kit... correcting the lower hull is most painful but should be quite easy and direct. It's all about measuring, sawing, sanding and filling.

As for the turret edge... tricky as it is (as it may affect other surrounding parts)... for the moment, I have no idea how I should approach this major tweak/correction. Have to wait till I get the kit first and then plan out the attack strategy.

Cheers,

Lawrence

shave off the little bit of height left on lower turret half... Btw, i've also discovered that the rear turret section (just before the basket) is quite short on HB... In other words, we need to chop off the lower half's rear, add some fillet to increase the depth... and then glue back the lower rear... The rear section is supposed to have a have split line from the forward turret section anyway.

I've also noticed that the turret edge hooks (forward piece on both sides) are sitting too far forward... it shouldn't be in-line with the rail bracket on the slope armour on top of it... need to move back about 1/5 of the rail length...

That's it... going Hobby boss for sure...

I have the sort of info I`m after


History is Cynical

Having built both (well at least about 90% ) though the Academy kit is not bad, my vote would also go to the Hobbyboss kit. Aside from the one big gaff, and a couple other smaller ones the detail is much better. I would buy a set of Friul tracks for both kits. The HB tracks are ok, but not great, the Academy tracks are I think poor. The Friuls though not totally necessary, greatly improve the appearance of both. When looking at both kits side by side, though I don't have any scale plans, the HB kit (turret included) looks better to me, there is just something that doesn't look quite right about the Academy kit (next to the HB).

Mike

Oh and for the person(s) who thinks I'm bashing the HB kit by mentioning the problems, that's not bashing it I'm just stating fact. Besides that, as I said I like the kit, I have another one in my stash.

Well Mike
You can mention my name and write it directly, no need to hide it, I will say for you - Robert Manasherob thinks that I am Bashing Smashing Mashing (and other nice English words that you know) the HobbyBoss and Legend kits. I also told you already that you are small Yesmam and do what you told to do, so I can understand you.

I was waiting for your response on the thread bellow (Meng Merkava 3d Lower Hull ?), but looks it is hard for you deal with facts or you lost your nice words.

I have no connection with HobbyBoss or Legend and my opinion on them is not so great as you can think, but I dont try like you and your MISTER (WHO IT IS, see the tread bellow for more detail (Meng Merkava 3d Lower Hull ?)) hurt them over and over in every way because of personal interest of one person.
I only hate people and their Yesmen that change their skin after been paid more from other Company and than start to spit all over the prev. one that they cherish before and well paid.

I hope now you got the idea of your Bashing Smashing Mashing, if not let me know and I will explain you with MORE DETAILS!!!, I promise.

Robert


Robert Manasherob
www.sabingamartin.com