Leo2A6(M) CAN with barracuda kit

[franko]

I'm thinking of doing a new project, one that hasn't been done quite correctly by others yet.

 

Bit of a background for those who don't know me...I was a tank commander in Afghanistan with the tank Squadron based out of Ma'sum Ghar and my ride in and around Zhari/ Panjwaii was a Leo2A6(M) that was equiped with barracuda kit and slat armour (well, they all were actually).

 

Now time is marching on and I want to have something to remember my tour besides video and photos of us going out and taking it to the Taliban.

 

I've looked around at the available conversion kits for a Hobby Boss Leo and there are only 2 that I can see:

 

http://www.perfect-scale.de/Umbau--und-Zuruestsaetze-1---35/Leopard-2A6M-CAN--Barracuda--213.html

 

http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/product_info.php?products_id=2818&osCsid=htggkc32cjjets7i337dq4mhv7

 

 

 

I'm tempted to go with the Perfect Scale due to the accuracy of how the kit actually laid on the tank. It's the most realistic by far. Cost is the only thing that is making me hesitate. Ill be buying it if there are no others that are close. The Black Dog kit is not close but sufficient for someone that never saw one in real life.

 

 

 

Another part is the slat armour. I'm tempted to go for:

 

http://www.trackjam.com/RealModel/RMA%2035219.htm

 

I've never dealt with how to put PE together. Do you use a soldering iron or something else?

 

 

 

Then of course there are the antenna mounts. I'll have to cut the posts down to an accurate height:

 

http://www.trackjam.com/RealModel/RMA%2035196.htm

 

 

 

Then there are back deck and turret details here that are required:

 

http://www.trackjam.com/RealModel/RM%2035154.htm

 

 

 

All in all I'll be on the hook for a bit of cash, not including paint and grey hairs/ crushed beers.

 

 

 

Thoughts?

[Corinthian]

Thoughts?

 

Take lots - and I mean LOTS - of pictures of your project. I'll be following it.

[Michael Eastes]

If you're making a representation of your own ride, accuracy would trump all, for me. It looks like a tough build, I must say. It will be worth the effort when completed, though.

[Corinthian]

I've never dealt with how to put PE together. Do you use a soldering iron or something else?

 

Some have soldered PE. Most though (like me) just use superglue and worked it by capillary action. BTW, not all superglue are the same. There is the usual superglue, and there are some superglues that are aimed specifically at the hobby. I dunno how much different these cyano glues are from those sold in the hardware shops as I have never used the former. I have had ok results with Bulldog superglue (the one with the blue cap) which has lower viscosity compared to some superglues, making it easier to flow in the seams of PE parts. It also cures faster.

[Fritz]

I love the umbrella.

[franko]

Yeah, the umbrella. The best piece of kit ever! It stopped the turret crews from baking in the mid day sun, peaking at 56C outside on my tour.

 

Many LAV/ Coyote crews laughed at us for being "weak" but it allowed us to work. Anything to drop temperatures by 10C is good in my book. The chiller units were also awesome, allowing gunners and drivers to work buttoned up at temps approaching 70C.

 

For once the procurment team did something right.

 

 

 

BTW - bought the kits. This is going to be a tough build.

 

Photos will be taken as well.

 

Regards

[franko]

Looked at the kit for the first time yesterday and there are some glaring issues. The birdcage is not even close to what is actually on my old tank. The bars are too thick and the assemblies are too long. So I'll be getting the PE kit as well from Real.

 

http://www.trackjam.com/RealModel/RMA%2035219.htm

 

 

I'll have to trim off at least 3 bars in height from the bottom to get it where we had it so it was effective and not rubbing on the ground going cross country.

 

Got all my photos ready to go. Man, it's going to be one hell of a build. Now to track down replicas of an MG3 and 2 C8HB with EO Tech sights and hand grips.

 

First though, I'll be building a couple of other kits to get back into the "swing of things" before getting diving into this one.

 

Bought Bronco's Leo 2 workable track as well. 164 individual shoes to patiently put together.

 

Regards

[franko]

Got the PE slat armour in today....without instructions.

 

Already emailed the company.

 

Regards

[franko]

Just received the kits from Perfect Scale Modellbau. Still waiting out on the track from Bronco.

 

Man, my kitchen table is getting full....

 

Regards

[franko]

Okay, the track kit is now in. I'll be posting in the build thread from now on, unless MODERATOR wants to move this one to that location so I don't waste his bandwidth.

 

Regards