Magach 6/7 is a series of Israeli tanks, based on the American M60 Patton Tanks. From the 1970s, the M60s were upgraded in a number of areas including the addition of an Israeli-developed thermal sleeve for the 105 mm gun, the addition of Israeli-developed explosive reactive armour, installation of a new Urdan commander’s cupola (also adopted by the US Army for its M48A5 tanks), two roof-mounted 7.62 mm machine guns and the Israel Military Industries CL-3030 instantaneous self-screening system either side of the main armament. It is believed that the M60 series fitted with ERA were called the MAGACH-6 and 7 for the latest version.
It is understood that these have now been replaced by later and enhanced versions. In the beginning, the first Magach was an upgrade of M48A3 main battle tank, it was the Magach 3. By the time the 1973 Yom Kippur War erupted, some 800 Magach 3 were in active service, in addition to some original configuration M60 (Magach 6). During the 1980s and 1990s, the Magachs were gradually replaced with Merkava tanks as Israel’s front-line main battle tank. However, the large majority of the IDF’s armoured corps continued to consist of Magach variants until the 1990s, and the tank was continuously upgraded during this time.
Prior to the 1982 invasion of Lebanon (1982 Lebanon War), Magach 6 tanks were fitted with explosive reactive armor (ERA). Further work has been done on the upgraded Magach 6 models, including new armor, Merkava based tracks, new fire controls, a thermal sleeve for the gun and smoke dischargers, eventually resulting in the Magach 7 model which is still in use with the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces).
More info on the Magach 6/7 and variants here.
- Highly detailed plastic pieces molded in olive green
- New turret, large external storage basket, passive armor array,
armored side skirts, and 7.62mm FN-MAG machine gun. - Assemble with hatches open or closed
- Waterslide decals
- Illustrated instructions
- Scale: 1/35
- Length: 10.35″ (263mm)
- Height: 3.85″ (98mm)
- Skill level: 4
- Kit # 13297
- MSRP: $44.99
- Street Price (approx) $38.99
We can finally call this model done. This is new Academy 1/35 Magach 7c ”Gimmel”. This is Academy model kit # 13297 and comes molded in tan. The kit was released by the end of 2016 and it is now up for grabs at your favorite on-line hobby supplier but remember, if you have a local hobby shop, please support it.
The kit as the real tank is based on the USA M60A. As a result you will end with plenty of leftover parts from previous versions Academy has produced with the original tooling. The Academy 1/35 Magach 7c Gimmel comes new turret and basket tooling to accommodate the side armor. There’s no interior detail on the turret in case you’re wondering. The are 4 different markings provided with the model kit.
This Magach 7c was painted with Vallejo IDF Green 71.126 and weathered after with Ammo Mig Products including pigments.
The biggest disappointment with the Academy 1/35 Magach 7c Gimmel is the same I personally had with the Academy Tiger I F-13 Gruppe. The tracks leave a lot to be desired. If the kit has been out for years and the complaint has been out as long, I don’t get why wasting the chance during the new tooling to address the tracks issue and make the subject more appealing to those eager to swipe their credit cards. I know this create a third party sub-market, but c’mon, paying for a set of after market tracks that are almost as expensive as the kit itself doesn’t sound fair. Charge us $10-$15 on the kit with a new descent set of tracks and we will happily pay for them. All the rest in upgrades will be vanity (IMHO). The tracks are about 3 links short and you can notice on the pictures from the back of the model. They are in place with CA and stapples. It is a shame because the track pattern was nicely done and printed awesome. They are just too short.
I will recommend this kit to IDF model kit lovers but be aware that the tracks are a major let down. I really hope Academy and other makers take note.
My sincere thanks to Model Rectifier for the review sample.
Big shout out to the folks over at Ammo by Mig for supplying us the weathering products for this project.
