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How to make a Merkava

 

Producer -- Carl Williams
Artistic Director -- Jin Xu
Construction Manager -- Mark Dure-Smith
Assistant Producer -- Chris Williams
2nd Assistant Producer -- Paul Bugala
Tank Transport Director -- Scott Langley

Tank Deconstruction Engineer -- Steve B.

During its life our Merkava went on five missions so far. One at an ACLU Rally on
Boston Common, a second at the Davis Square Art Beat in Somerville, MA
a third at a party to train activists in direct action in relation to Palestine, fourth
at an action at Quincy Market in Downtown Boston, and the final mission was the
inaugural Leftist Lounge on Aug 25, 2003. The tank was laid to rest on Sept 25, 2003.

    The Boston based Merkava Mk III MBT was the partial inspiration for the Oak-town Main Battle Tank constructed by Tank Battalion Commander Jim. We love the Desert Camo color scheme!

 

First make a frame (ours is 8' by 6') using 1" by 3" boards.

Screw on some small (about 6" by 1') boards to each corner for added support and to attach wheels to.

Build the frame up by attaching vertical board as shown. Add cross beams for support.

Wrap the frame with the lightest chicken wire you can find.

Add front braces as shown.

Add a chicken wire from 'bumper'.

Add a galvanized washtub as a base for the cannon turret.

Detailed shot of how the turret attaches.

Notice the wheels (pre-treads) made of cardboard. You can get tons of cardboard free from a local bike shop (bike boxes, y'know).

Build a turret substructure around the tub.
 

Paint with a water based paint. Get a nice olive drab color and blend nicely with a black.

Attach cardboard treads over the cardboard wheels.

The almost finished product.

The tank base and its transport.

Make sure to strap it down.

More tank in action on the Boston Commons.

Tank in action

Tank Commander Justin and Gunnery Sgt. Chris

Isn't she lovely?