[FormerViperDriver]

Great models CavTanker. I wish I could get a diecast Merkava (and other modern tanks) in 1/50 or 1/48.

On the Merkava versus M-1 topic, note that the former has a standard diesel/multifuel engine (pistons) as opposed to the turbine in the M-1 series. The fuel consumption is therefore far lower and engine exhaust much cooler on the Merkava. However, the M-1 has better power/weight ratio and so has a bit of a mobility advantage. Armour is also better on the M-1 until the Merkava Mk 4, but as you point out, the front-mounted engine on the Merkava adds extra protection in the frontal arc. Finally, the Merkava can carry more ammo than the M-1 thanks to more internal space (which can be used to carry infantry as you also point out) and has the roof-mounted mortar.

FVD

[Cavtanker]

Thanks for the info on the Merkava engine, FVD.

[Cavtanker]

And my latest pair of completions: Jagdpanzer Luchs and something that vaguely resembles a M-60A3.