The building thread here :
http://intscalemodeller.com/viewtopic.p ... 56#p194956
Some info related with the Achzarit ,
The Achzarit (cruel) heavy armored personnel carrier is in service with Israel Defense Forces since 1988. It is based on the captured T-54 and T-55 medium tanks of the Soviet origin. It is worth mentioning that Israel had in storage hundreds of these tanks, captured during combat operations. It was developed to meet a specific requirement of the IDF. Development commenced in the early 1980s. Developing this heavy APC the main emphasis was stressed on maximum armored protection for the troops. Production commenced in 1988.
During conversion turret of the T-54/T-55 was removed and a new fighting compartment was created.
The Achzarit can carry up to 7 troops, plus 3 crew members. There are a several roof hatches, but the main hatch for entry and exit is located at the rear of the hull from the right side. The original soviet engine was replaced by a smaller-size diesel unit, developed by the General Motors. Furthermore the engine was mounted transversally, so some room in the engine compartment was freed to make this exit hatch.
The Achzarit was specially designed to operate alongside the well protected Merkava Mk.1 and Mk.2 main battle tanks. Hull of the medium tanks remains without significant changes, however protection was significantly improved by adding armor. This armored vehicle is fitted with individual NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. It is claimed, that Achzarit withstands 125-mm rounds at the front arc.
Vehicle is armed with a Rafael OWS weapon station developed in Israel and containing an M240 7.62-mm machine gun. Machine gun is fired remotely from the inside of the vehicle. There are three additional 7.62-mm machine guns, mounted over the commander's hatch and two on the rear part of the roof. Approximately 4 000 7.62-mm rounds are carried. There is also a 60-mm mortar, which fires illuminating, smoke or anti-personnel grenades.
The original Achzarit Mk.1 is powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V-71TA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 650 hp. Some changes were made to the medium tanks suspension and chassis. Suspension upgrade resulted in better cross-county mobility. This heavy APC is not amphibious but with a short preparation can ford water obstacles up to 4 m deep.
Some sources claim, that there is a command post version of the Achzarit, which lacks roof-mounted machine guns, but is fitted with additional communications equipment.
Characteristics :
Entered service 1988
Crew 3 men
Personnel 7 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 44 t
Length 6.3 m
Width 3.6 m
Height ~ 2 m
Armament
Machine guns 4 x 7.62-mm
Mobility
Engine Detroit Diesel 8V-71TA diesel
Engine power 650 hp
Maximum road speed 55 km/h
Range 500 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 40%
Vertical step 0.8 m
Trench 2.7 m
Fording 1.4 m
Fording (with preparation) 4 m
Some Photos of the real Achazarit in action :
Golani brigade in action
and the model I built is precisely depicting the Commander's vehicle of the 3rd Company of the 1st Golani Brigade .
About the model , MENG has done a very easy model to build , it is a very pleasant build and quick one , so my advice is give it a try if you have this kit to build , it is a good one to do quickly
.The onlything strange to me is the lack of a full interior , strange as it seems that MENG had everything ready to palce a ful interior , but in the end you only get some of the detail ...pitty , seems that the new release of MENG of the late Achzarit brings a full interior , not in my build however , but wanted a quick and simple build so ...
Use figures from Black Dock in REsin , two sets , expensive in my opinion , but good quality of detail . As I mention in my Build , they could have more Israeli Armament, they all come with M4 assault Rifles , that could be true as IDF uses them , but also I saw a lot of pictures and they often use their own country guns ...ok but not an issue for me also
, and also you could get After MArket , but the figures are already expensive 
The Resin wall from Reality in scale , again it is their Standar, very fine detail and a very good addition to any diorama , one of my favourites to buy small resin acessories , they could add a ot of detail to your dioramas .
Enough talk , here are the final reveal Photos , hope you like !
