Description

The Achzarit, cruel in Hebrew, is a heavily modified armored personnel carrier manufactured by the Israeli Defense Forces Corps of Ordnance. Based on the Soviet T-54/T-55 tank, captured from Arab armies during the Arab-Israeli wars, the IDF modified the tanks for transporting troops. Additional enhancements to the Achzarit included a more compact, powerful diesel engine along with other internal systems. Additional reactive armor was installed over the original armored tank chassis, for enhanced protection, as well as a bulletproof glass cupola allowing the commander better vision while being protected from small arms fire and shrapnel. The Achzarit is armed with three 7.62 mm machine guns, including one Rafael remote controlled Overhead Weapons Station (OWS). Several Achzarits in service were upgraded with a 12.7mm Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station in place of the standard 7.62mm Rafael Overhead Weapon Station.

Meng 1/35 Achzarit Early IDF APC consists of 7 tan sprues, 1 clear plastic sprue for the light lenses and periscopes, a slide molded upper hull and chassis, a PE fret, a decal sheet, and a set of vinyl rubber tracks. The kit features excellent molding quality, with no visible ejector pin marks after assembly. The single part upper hull also features excellent details as can be seen with the raised rivets, grills, and filler caps. The Achzarit Early includes interior details such for the entry tunnel along with the crew compartment, allowing the display of an open ramp for various diorama settings.

The suspension system features separate swing arms, allowing for an uneven terrain setting after modification with the included well detailed vinyl tracks. All hatches in the kit, along with the rear ramp, are movable after assembly. The well detailed 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns, including the over head weapon station, are movable after assembly.

The included photo etched fret includes a large cover for the rear hull side, featuring realistic perforations, number plates, and even a template for airbrushing the wheels.

Three markings are included for three vehicles, one in 1st Golani Brigade, one operating near the Gaza border in 2008, and finally one vehicle of the 2nd platoon.