Israeli armor references

[ShotMagnet]

I've decided to spend the balance of the rest of my modeling life building IDF vehicles; particularly the myriad variants they manufactured from the M3 and M4 chassis, but also including the Centurion, and captured/otherwise-acquired AFV as well.

 

Stage One of this project does of course necessitate gathering references. Any suggestions you all have in that direction are welcome; if it's helpful I already know about the Israeli weapons' site, and have found a few interesting Centurion variants (used to launch MLRS-size missiles) via Google and Wiki. Still, there's nothing like consulting the experts, especially since quite a few of us are modelers as well.

 

Aftermarket-conversion/-kit manufacturer-recommendations are welcome. I've received mixed reviews with regard to IDF M3 HT conversions, but I'll treat all unbiased reports (for or against) without prejudice. Scratchbuilding recommendations are also welcome.

 

I know to stock up on the Dragon M-50 kit (even if the muzzle-brake is too small; scratchbuilding does not scare me), and I plan to lay in a supply of Dragon M3 kits.

 

As an aid to research, does anyone happen to know what M4 suspensions were most prevalent when the IDF were operating M4 hulls? Logic suggests that the VVSS suspensions were, but I'd love to hear a better answer.

 

Thanks all around.

 

 

Shot

[Kenneth P. Katz]

Tankograd has published two books by Marsh Gelbart, which are must-haves on the subject.

[Michael Eastes]

Tankograd has published two books by Marsh Gelbart, which are must-haves on the subject.

 

Didn't Marsh do a hefty tome on the Merkava? If so, is that one of the books you are referring to?

[EW]

For some inspiration/advice I found the link below very helpful from a modellers point of view, when I built my Magach.

 

http://idfmodelling.free.fr/

 

Cheers

EW

Edited July 14, 2008 by EW

[ShotMagnet]

Thanks all. Collecting research material at this point. EvanDP has some stuff that he's going to send along. At the moment I'm researching Israeli HTs; I swear, half the fun on this hobby is doing the homework.

Anyone have any experience with AEF Designs stuff? I've received mixed reviews, though for some of this they look like they're the 'only game in town', unless I decide to scratchbuild the modifications I want to make.

 

 

Shot

Edited July 15, 2008 by ShotMagnet

[Coldsteel]

... I think Marsh Gelbart did one on Israeli APC, which I think includes Centurion OP variants.

Military Briefs No.2 - Israeli tank based carriers? I recently bought a copy, I haven't read through it yet but it looks quite good.

 

http://www.mheaust.com.au/ has a couple of other books, one of the already mentioned Tankograd books, and IDF Military Vehicles 1948-1998 The First 50 Years. They also have a few resin Israeli conversion kits including one for an M5 HT. I don't have any of these but the few resin pieces I have ordered from them in the past have been quite good.