{"title":"Model Kits","description":"Model Universe sells an extensive range of Model Kits from many categories: Aircraft, Bikes, Cars, Commercial, Figures, Military Vehicles, Race Cars, Ships, Trucks, Trailers \u0026amp; more! Model kits arrive unassembled and usually require painting, specific model kit details are available on product pages.","products":[{"product_id":"hobbyboss-135-israeli-merkava-3d-main-battle-tank-model-kit-82441","title":"Hobbyboss 1:35 Israeli 'Merkava' 3D Main Battle Tank Model Kit (82441)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHobbyboss 1:35 scale plastic model kit of the Israeli Merkava 3D Main Battle Tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVehicle Background\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The Merkava is a main battle tank used by the Israel Defense Forces. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDevelopment of the tank began in 1973 and entered active service in 1978. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCurrently, four models of Merkava tanks have been developed. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt was first used extensively during the 1982 Lebanon War. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe name \"Merkava\" comes from the name of the Wehrmacht's initial development plan, Hebrew for \"chariot.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Merkava is a combat vehicle designed specifically for the requirements of combat damage, survivability, cost-effectiveness and off-road performance and rapid battlefield repair. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe turret is positioned closer to the rear of the hull than most main battle tanks, and the front-mounted engine configuration gives additional protection against frontal attacks. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis arrangement also created the best tank design in the world. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe increased storage space at the rear serves as the main crew compartment, making it easier to evacuate from the rear door under enemy fire. It can also increase the loading capacity of ammunition, and can also be used as a medical cabin, troop transport cabin, command cabin and other functions, which is equivalent to An armored personnel carrier platform. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen loading cargo and personnel, the rear flip-up door provides armor protection and functions as a ramp up and down.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kit requries paint, glue and finishing supplies to complete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Diecast Model Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59364461183310,"sku":"HBB82441","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1022\/3773\/3198\/files\/5587697299640.jpg?v=1775587620"},{"product_id":"airfix-2024-catalogue","title":"Airfix 2024 Catalogue","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 Airfix Catalogue contains everything you need to know for all your kit modelling needs in 2024. As always, the Airfix Catalogue is also a collector's piece in it's own right for seasoned modellers and collectors!\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Diecast Model Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59364465049934,"sku":"A78204","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1022\/3773\/3198\/files\/a78204-1-1.jpg?v=1775587647"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1022\/3773\/3198\/collections\/model-kits-model-universe_5f94be66-348a-400b-8ded-826ccec6c898.jpeg?v=1777898517","url":"https:\/\/diecastmodelshop.com\/collections\/model-kits.oembed","provider":"Diecast Model Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}