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Rafi Ben-Shahar
386 articles

Meng 1/35 IDF Achzarit early version

February 21, 2024 · in Armor · · 18 · 278

The Achzarit (cruel female) is an IDF conversion of captured T-54/5s chassis to carry and protect troops in fire intense battle conditions.

's Achzarit is a well-designed model that captures the ungainly lines of the troop carrier. The objective of my build was two-fold. First, to depict the appearance of the AFV under the dusty conditions of the training grounds in southern Israel. Second, to scratch build the equipment basket situated in the rear of the vehicle.

The fit of parts is very good. However, the kit's tracks are made of vinyl. The T-55 has a characteristic sag that requires individual track links set to properly replicate the position of the tracks. I wrongly assumed that the skirt would hide the non sag tension of the vinyl tracks.

Reader reactions:
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9 additional images. Click to enlarge.


18 responses

  1. Awesome job, Rafi! Fantastic painting and weathering!

  2. Very nicely done, Rafi @blackmopane
    As said by Spiros @fiveten, the paintwork and weathering looks really great.

  3. Boy, does that ever look like something out of a Mad Max Fury Road post-apocalyptic nightmare.

    Great work, you usual attention to great weathering.

  4. Great looking build, Rafi.

  5. A beautiful ugly beast, Rafi.

  6. Excellent weathering and details,
    Very well done πŸ‘

  7. That’s awesome,Rafi. I always assumed that all of those IDF converted APCs were based on Centurions. I learned something new.

  8. Wonderful work, Rafi! πŸ‘ @blackmopane, And, an unusual vehicle as well! πŸ‘

  9. Wow ! another Rafi IDF masterpiece , well done I love it.

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