Building the Academy 1/35 Merkava IV from start to finish

Andy's Hobby Headquarters
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Today we build the Academy 1/35 Merkava IV including painting and lite weathering.
Please visit our web site at andyshobbyheadquarters.com
or our store :
ANDY'S HOBBY HEADQUARTERS
15224 N 59TH AVE SUITE 12
GLENDALE AZ 85306

[@user-bq8rq8cv4g]

The Merkava is one of the coolest looking tanks in the world, and this model builder really knows how to bring the tank to life.

[@TDog-ic7do]

Great build. Great looking model also.

[@alessiodecarolis]

Yes, this Tank has really a sci-fi feeling, and is really a beautiful beast 😆😆

[@studenthomegreen-hill6048]

I miss the classical music during the NATO black spraying.

[@darylsmith5343]

well done again Andy, as usual, a superb job, and a great tutorial.

[@ethantrinkley4746]

I just got this kit for my birthday and am planning to use your video to help me through its build since I know yours always turn out so well

[@merkavamkivm5156]

That sure looks like me :D

[@christinenate5543]

loL xD

[@taxidriverxdscp4242]

Bests looking tank I ever seen :D

[@PATRICKS_PLASTICS]

Great video. I live in Phoenix myself and I can't wait to come and visit your store.

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+PFMANN1 THANK YOU hope to see you soon

[@georgebrown6540]

As always Andy, great build and video, thanks for sharing.

[@RTPgardenguy]

Hi Andy, I just want to say thank you for your videos. I'm actually sitting here making a model for the first time in probably 20 years thanks to watching videos like yours.

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+RTPgardenguy thank you IM glad your having fun

[@user-yn7rt1pm5e]

Great job Andy, another fine build. I just finished a hobby boss merkava mk. III . That was a fun build also.

[@dasmin0710]

OMG this video is so awesome!! I just got this kit and this will help A LOT. BTW, keep the aircraft vids coming... can't wait.

[@jasemac5391]

I like how we all think of this as a modern tank when this version is like 44 years old as of 2023 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@IanSelvaraj]

This glue is one of my absolute favorites and i highly recommend using capillary action to glue parts together instead of the regular brush on and affix. The glue just evaporates that quickly!

[@mafmaf6417]

One of my favorite armored modeling subjects. I personally like the vinyl tracks better than individual link. I can never seem to get them to look right.

[@orangelion03]

I recently discovered your videos and I wanted to tell you that they are very good! You very clearly show tips and techniques that any modeler should find useful. Probably the best and simplest instruction on basic painting and weathering I have seen. Well done! It appears you have spilled Tamiya liquid cement on your cutting pad several times, as I and I'm sure many others have! Surprising how a solid square bottle can tip so easily. The stuff is expensive and will stink up your whole workshop! I solved the problem by attaching a bottle to a small piece of thin aluminum plate, about 3" X 3", with 5 minute epoxy. As the cement runs low, I just pour more from a fresh bottle.

[@user-td9pk7bz6k]

メルカバ初期型35分の1はタミヤさんのキットのイメージでしたが、マーク2、3、4と瞬く間にアカデミーさんのキット化がはやかったです。作り方解説👍

[@GNomad781]

Really enjoyed your video.....I've been looking for some techniques to build & weather my armor kits without spending too much time in the process and your methods gave me some great ideas!

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Tim L Thank you I'm glad you liked it.

[@shoogsdude]

im really enjoying your vids and am learning lots ,,,, would love to make some more myself now .... i used to make models some time ago but i would have to change my paints as i think most of mine will be solid and they not tamiya .... you really got me wanting to build .... im a ww2 builder my self .... your work is just the best iv seen in a long time

[@davewright5024]

hi Andy I like the way u painted that kit loos way cool gr8 job on the video to!!!

[@CPD_Det]

Turned out very nice!

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+James Bednarz Thank you

[@Reemuson]

I liked the little tutorial on the tracks, thanks!

[@lesthiele7645]

Hi Andy, I would just like to say I enjoyed your build of the Merkava IV, I do like all the IDF armour and would like it if you would build more in the future. Cheers, Les

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Les Thiele Thank you Les

[@shawnbrownstein6543]

Like the pant mix will try it looks spot on

[@ThePicklepirate]

Great stuff! I sure like the way you indicate the type of paints and ratios used. And now I know about Tamiya's TS-80 Flat Clear - thanks!

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+ThePicklepirate Thanks for watching

[@Hunterzero1147]

Beautiful building + nice music as always~

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+张若鹏 Thank you

[@jesusblanco906]

A great video and a great job

[@adamk4662]

Another great Video, Cheers

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Adam K Thank you

[@dagelandumay]

Looks like you have a soft spot for tanks. Anyway, excellent job as always.

[@MrJoeGarner]

I'm very particular about what tanks I build, I honestly have no interest in this vehicle but, Andy is a master so, I watch!

[@ArmourEmpire]

I'm a bit of an idf nut so enjoyed this one especially. Still staggered by the size of the mk4 turret compared to other merks. I have to say that I'm a fan of academy given their great value for money and tamiya like engineering. . If you enjoyed this one I can recommend their mk2d. You may want to add a few aftermarket bits, but even out of the box it is a nice kit. . Kutgw.

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Armour Empire Yes i built the Mk2 awhile back very nice

[@alansheppard5711]

Great video Andy... I do love your IDF builds... nice one mate.

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Alan Sheppard Thank you

[@modeltankguy]

awesome video n great work andy

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Gilbert Lathlin Thank you

[@alanhigh8125]

The Merkavas all look like something from a sci-fi movie.

[@stormdesertstrike]

Thos tanks remind me the Shaft from tanki online.

[@joshuasanders4515]

Do some more modern builds please, great video

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

I am going to do a m1sep soon

[@graalsim1788]

#loveMerkava

[@mytdck1]

Love your work Andy! All your armor looks amazing and I love how you simplify a lot of the work. Can you do a tutorial on painting; particularly your airbrush you use, paints, thinner and ratios. I know you use mayo black as a primer/base coat, but are there exceptions? Thanks and keep up the great work!!!

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+mytdck1 Thank you, you could use any dark color for shadow , i like nato black for all kinds of stuff

[@ssgtslick]

Ball and Chain armor-put a dot of white glue on eah ball. (I made knobs for handles in a 1/32 P-38 that way)

[@thewizardofaz]

Great job. There's only one really decent hobby store down here in Tucson, and they don't do demos or videos. Thanks. Good music too, by the way. :)

[@andysmith5152]

another excellent vid mate well done

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Andy Smith Thank you

[@griffia]

love the vids!!

[@franciscoolguin6125]

Fantastic

[@shilomalul8749]

nise model and very nise jobe

[@kimandersendk]

Nice build and nice video

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Kim Andersen Thank you I'm glad you liked it.

[@shawnjames983]

Great job Andy. Watching you has really helped me. Do you ship to Canada?

[@AFV85]

Quite funny seeing tamiya brand new quick set being shown in this video! 5 years ago I never even knew Academy done a mk4 I'm away to build the meng one with the trophy next! Your wheels will be very loose without the polly caps won't they? I now mix my own glue with half MBA and Tamiya extra thin it's just the perfect mix!

[@andrewschmidt3718]

Interesting

[@Andycrophoto]

Great

[@charly6333]

i love the intro

[@Squrriel966]

Thank you for the video! I want to ask if airbrush/thinner/compressor sells in Texas Hobbytown or whatever. Any clues? (I know it is not really realated to the vid but I am going to have a trip there soon while where I live does not have those stuff)

[@zx10100111]

great work!

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Александр Суворов Thank you

[@user-xe1ht9ed2b]

А зачем на финале покраске использовать XF-57?

[@garryg69]

Nice build

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+garryg69 Thank you

[@Squrriel966]

I want to see you build a TAKOM 1/35 AMX-13A

[@randylallouz8596]

Hey Andy, great video. I'm just getting started with airbrushing. I have myself an Iwata Eclipse h-cs. and I was wondering what you're using? 2nd question, can I use black surface primer as well as a base coat instead of the Tamiya? Thanks!

[@cptalbator9547]

Will you do the mirage IIIC in the background?

[@GregReilly135ScaleModels]

The idea that i used was the small round split shot fishing weights the 0.2 grams it worked a treat all you had to do was crimp them to the photo etch

[@RonStanek]

Andy, not sure if you realize yet or not. The paint brand your using (Vallejo) is Spanish, pronounced: Ba-Yeāh-Ho. Meaning, old man. Love the Look, on these Merkava tanks. Would like to see some in a desert camo scheme. Base: desert sand With brown/black camo. W/gray or off white "stone" "highlights" Toned down with a sort of faded black "tiger stripe" streak effect overlay, angled front to back.

[@stephen4600]

Great video tutorials sir , please build tamiya,s new amx13

[@shawnjames983]

Andy, our internet (satellite based up here in the Ontario's near north just outside of North Bay) has been down and had to have a part replaced so I am playing catch up! I just ordered this tank having done Academy's Merkava Mk III. Loved that kit. Just finished Trumpeter's T-67. Great subject matter. Kit had some warp issues. Reason I bring it up the kit recommended mixing Tamiya XF-51 (70%) with XF-55 (30%) Have you tried at that mix? Am interested in your opinion. I liked how it turned out, but is it accurate? Thanks as always for your time and your videos!!!

[@adonaijovanbeltran4297]

Do you sell the piece armed or should I arm it myself? excellent video!

[@MrGameengineer]

Building a different model manufacturer, great! Tamiya and Dragon get a lot of press.

[@erichhartmann1]

Academy does make some great models as well!

[@timothylancaster2787]

Hey Andy, do you use gloss and mat sealants when washing or applying decals?

[@PAK183MM]

На пушке должно быть две полосы, это вторая дивизия. Стрела смотрит в право, значит на пушке должно быть две полоски.

[@animeboy-qy5sq]

hey does anyone know that the previous rubber merkava tracks or the meng metal tracks would fit on this academy merkava ?

[@erikm4093]

on this kit can you get flexible tracks

[@tylergreen4383]

cool build! how much does that airbrush cost?

[@red0guy]

but andy, did you cut the 2 plastic halves and attached the pe? If done so, I think that they are not that flat...

[@agent4worldpeace007]

good job arn't the later Merk's more of a green colour? Cheers Mick

[@pauloeduardo6804]

Could you please tell me the proportion of the paints you used on merkava. tanks

[@dblmotok]

Hi Andy, Great build and Great model, I have a question for you, how did you seal the pigments? I Only see you brush them dry, is there anything else after?. Thanks a lot. David

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+dblmotok Hi no I don't seal them , its the last thing I do on the model

[@ElGoogKO]

I'm disappointed the tracks are solid and not mobile to allow motion. Same goes for the suspension

[@timsscalemodelbuilding4888]

I am a novice to mid level building, i started model building a few months ago(almost a year) im looking for a model to build. Tamiya or academy, would this work? I dont want something too easy. The track curve part seems confusing and hard to me

[@danielzakhariev9137]

I wanted to know which airbrush you are using

[@goldenscales]

Hiya, Tony. I've been watching a few of your vids - quite a few! - and had a thought - why not play music from the countries that you build the models from? Just a thought.....

[@tungtran-kg4hi]

Can you show us how to paint the modern soldier figure?

[@user-xe1ht9ed2b]

А зачем на финальном этапе покрывать краской XF-57Buff?

[@erikm4093]

can you get rubber tank tracks for this one

[@rubenbenignobandaalvarez9828]

buenos días: consulta; para reposición de piezas dañadas de un MIG-29 ESCALA 1:48 en ACADEMY? alguna dirección te lo agradeceria

[@jacobzolin838]

Merkav stronk tonk

[@syos1979]

Fun fact: In hl2 beta some of these tanks were to appear in game.

[@tannarriley9012]

Hi Andy love your vids. Can you build a JagdTiger from Tamyia. Im getting one soon and need an idea of how to do it

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+tannar riley i wil ltry soon, i have a few other ready to go

[@hafizuddinrahman4296]

Is it possible to use brush? Cuz i dont have airbrush

[@randylallouz8596]

Hi Andy, sorry to bother you again. I have a problem. When you base coat with xf-69 (nato black), what if I can't get any? Like not a single jar in my entire city! What's my alternative? Thanks in advance!

[@randylallouz8596]

Hey Andy, I have a few questions. I'm in the process of finishing up the construction of the Merkaha MK 4 LIC Tank.. all that's left to do are the chains and balls... The questions are. 1. at what point in the painting did you assemble the lower and upper hulls? 2. Did you paint the whole tank first in black?.. then paint the IDF colours? 3. how did you glue the two halves together with the paint on? 4. did you spray a clear mat finish before applying the decals?

[@graalsim1788]

Randy Lallouz first you need black And after IDF

[@randylallouz8596]

Hi.. yes I was aware of that... my questions are more related to the final painting and assembly of the tank!

[@tpmatiascordera-jplmycorde9882]

What is the proportion of kaki and gray color to mix

[@thegameengine4606]

are the pocaps in the box if you buy it

[@BadKarmaPT]

Another great build. Thank you for sharing! How do you like Academy models? How are they compared to those by Tamiya or Dragon?

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+BadKarmaPT they are every nice ,about as many parts as a tamiya

[@BadKarmaPT]

+Andy's Hobby Headquarters Thank you for your input Andy. That Merkava sure does look nice!

[@t1operator395]

Is it necessary to use a surface primer before painting ?

[@iryairya2008]

Necessary. To check some defect, to strengthen the paint to last and to neutralize the plastic color. To make your color darker, use surfacer black. To make it brighter, use surfacer white. Grey is good for almost all colors.

[@t1operator395]

Ok thx

[@rocko112camaro]

Q: Checked out your web-site. I see the only model kits you offer for sale are all armor kits. Will you be offering planes and other kits later later? I see you have planes and car kits at the beginning of your build videos.

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+rocko112camaro Hi yes i do carry all those items in my store and will have them on my online store soon ,I put armor on first since that's what my youtube channel is mainly about. Thanks for watching

[@Luftangreifer]

Dont you ever spill the paint inside the brush? I lost a cap on my airbrush, and I tend to spill (not on the model, but on the floor etc).

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Luftangreifer Every once in awhile I do , usually when I over fill it

[@Luftangreifer]

ok, thanks for nice videos as always

[@eduardviska]

Hi Andy, I like your model building model kit vehicl military 1:35. I look mainly at the US and IDF Israel military vehicles. I see that you spray uniformly on the IDF Tamiya XF-49 + XF-66, 50%+50%. And regardless of the years / periods of idf wars. Magach 3 vs. Merkava IV. I use Tamiya Acryl. I tried this mix on the old wing. I airbrush surf matt black. I like the this mix. Did you come to this mix by testing and tracking photo idf vehicles over time? Now I'm going to build a Merkava II 1:35 Academy. I have Meng Merkava IV / Trophy, AFV Club Shot Gal Dalet + Magach 6B Gal, Dragon model Magach 3. And I'm looking and interesnt for me new IDF vehicl at Magach 6B Gal Batash (Meng TS-040?? Academy ) or Academy Magach 7C ..... So is this for you mix Tamiya good for IDF, no matter the vehicle type and date in action the IDF army ? Very thx. Edward, Czech Republic. I wish health and well-being.

[@shilomalul8749]

Merkava IV the best tank in the world

[@graalsim1788]

Shilo Malul i need to argue With you because a1m2 Abrams Is a god of tanks too so you need to go on Wikipedia And look whos better but i think they are thesam+Isreal in in the centor of all the terrorrist country And USA give monety to israel so they Can defend for IsIs And othere poop so we Can say that merkava Is USA's too there you go you jest got 5% smarter

[@graalsim1788]

IS-2 no

[@raikbarczynski6582]

the leo is NOT the best tank as everyone says. it may look good on paper what that thing has but it never was used in combat. best tank is Merkava. for all the lost merkava in battle not a single crewman died. and for me the best tank is the one in wich i could survive a freaking 120 mil shell

[@Dan81825]

Raik Barczynski Thats simply not true. The Leopard 2 was and currently *is* used in combat... Neither in the Kosovo war, nor in the Afghanistan war, a single crew member died. There was only one Leopard taken out by a anti-tank mine in Afghanistan. All crew members survived. Currently in Syria, on the other hand, modern anti-tank missiles were able to destroy a few (less than 10) turkish Leopard 2A4... I don't know about any casualties though. They were all taken down in urban areas, which most MTBs arent made for. The Leopard2A7V has a more advanced armor and fewer weak areas so you can only speculate about its effectiveness

[@threezus912]

Raik Barczynski so the M1A2

[@jonavucic1309]

What else can I use for the clear coat if I can't get Tamiya TS-80?

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Jona Vucic Testors dull coat will work fine or any lacquer flat clear coat

[@jonavucic1309]

+Andy's Hobby Headquarters I think it's saddly not available in my country,but thanks for the reply.

[@DatOneAsianKid]

Is it possible to try and build a Tiger Porsche Prototype tank model kit please?

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+GamingWithJacob342 i wil ltry soon, i have a few other ready to go.

[@madcowrebel4216]

Hey, Andy, what airbrush you got there?

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Mad Cow Rebel Hi its a iwata hpc

[@baldeagleadventures2193]

Do you ever build warships on your channel

[@andrewschmidt3718]

Again with this music !

[@user-vs7vn3gb2t]

How much does it cost

[@Z0m6iexG4m1ng1]

lol, I noticed you are using parts of qdc's name for videos, just incase you are getting the wrong impression, this does not bother me, I was just stating I noticed it and it suits this video.

[@acrylicmaple9801]

How much is this kit worth ? Great video btw !

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

+Acrylic Maple its about $45

[@acrylicmaple9801]

ok Thanks ^^

[@user-khorel97ps]

+Acrylic Maple academy # t13227 is 26000 korean won. about 22$ in korea.

[@acrylicmaple9801]

Wow that's cheap. You got any links ?

[@user-khorel97ps]

+Acrylic Maple academy.co.kr < company homepage or academy.co.kr/1p/1p_plalist.asp?pPage=2&pView=PLA0000002&pScale=SCALE00001 if international delivery fare is added . price is rised. when the company acdemy exports their items. they impose price as about twice as the price they impose the same item in domestic market.