This was on the review list for some time before I volunteered for it. This vehicle comes with the anti-slip texture that is missing on so many newly released Merkava-based kits, and I could not understand why no one wanted to review it. Maybe it was because it is one of two prototypes currently being evaluated by the Israeli Defense Forces. This version is called the NAMER ACHZAKA and it’s bigger brother is called NAMERA. Imagine these vehicles similar to the M578 and M88. The big difference is that both IDF vehicles are based on the Merkava Mk. III chassis with many Mk. IV components. The NAMER ACHZAKA crane can lift the engine pack of the Merkava for quick and easy changes. Supposedly, these are based on modified Merkava III hulls. Well, one thing right away that stands out is the HUGE final drive housings. These are definitely late model Mk III versions or IVs because they are too huge to be the same as seen in the Latrun example.

The Hawk 100 series jet trainer is a British two-seat, single-engine advanced jet trainer. It was selected for use in a joint venture between Bombardier Aerospace Corp. and Canada. Some were also ordered and built in Australia. It is used in many variants by many countries friendly to England.

The kit is molded in light gray plastic and comes with a photo etched set; the clear parts are thin and very clear. The overall details were good, but some parts were soft and not sharp. There were sink holes in several places, among them the tops of the wings and the rocket rails. The kit gives the option of wing tip caps or missile rails if you want to arm the model; a drop tank is also included. Some extra parts weren’t used, which are probably for different versions.

Thank you to David Lajer of Aires/Quickboost and the IPMS Reviewer Corps for the privilege of reviewing this delightful aftermarket resin set. The Hobby Boss F8F kit is wonderful in its own right, but the replacement gun barrels add quite an eye-catching detail in a highly visible part of the kit.

A single casting plug with 2 longer and 2 shorter barrels is in the package, molded in medium brownish-gray colored polyurethane resin. The application is very simple; use the appropriate Quickboost barrels to replace kit parts E6 and E5. This is a direct, drop-in replacement; all you need to do is carefully remove the barrels from the casting plug.