With the release of several new IDF Merkava kits and a regained interest in Israeli vehicles, I was elated to hear that Dr. Robert Manasherob was to release the first volume of a set on the Merkava tanks as a continuation to his iconic Israeli Armor book series. However, another company took offense to this news so SabIngaMartiN decided to wait a year before releasing this title.
Now that it is in my hands, I can say that it was definitely worth the wait! There are eighty pages, not including the covers, of high quality paper with many captioned photographs, detailed text with tables, and scale plans. The last is something I always look forward to and not many publications have it on the Merkava. Of those that do, I don’t trust as much as Dr. Manasherob.
On the inner front cover, there is a loving dedication to the author’s father as well as an editorial explaining the delay in the book’s publication. The inner rear cover, as well as the back cover, are advertisements for SabIngaMartiN Publications.
The body of the book is broken into nine chapters which are color coded with a vertical edge to the pages. They cover:
Operation “Abir” Knight – Nine pages with the story of how the British tried to get rid of Centurions by offering a chance for the IDF to field the Chieftain and has nine archival photographs.
Code Name “Maase Merkava” – In these fifteen pages, the story of how the Israelis decide not to depend on the British or Americans and to design their own tank. Twenty four photographs illustrate this chapter with wooden mock ups, the personalities behind the design, and differences in the museum displays.
Initial Production Merkava 1 – Five pages with little text and nine photographs of the initial production Merkava 1.
Testing in the Negev – Six pages describing the testing with eleven supporting photographs.
Testing in the Golan Heights – Nine pages with eighteen photographs on the Merkava on the Golan Heights.
Introduction into the IDF Service – Nine pages with sixteen photographs and text covering the first use of the Merkava by the IDF.
Merkava 1 Tank Factory – Ten pages with nineteen photographs of the factory showing details normally not seen on the completed vehicle.
Active Service with the 7th Brigade – In this chapter, there is a three page section with five view scale plans of the production Merkava 1 which was conveniently given its own vertical color to make it quick to find. Four pages with seven photographs show the Merkava with the 7th Brigade.
Camouflage and Markings – Ten pages covering colors and markings in use, as published by the IDF, supported by eight full color profiles covering several sides of the same vehicle. A disclaimer is given that not all unit and tactical markings are provided for security reasons.
In the end, the only thing lacking in this excellent book is a walkaround set of photographs but this is slated for the next volumes. Please do not miss out on this book, or any of the others, as I am aware they are not so easy to find. It is best to buy them directly whenever possible from SabIngaMartiN.
