Leopard
2A5
Ref :
Tamiya 35242
The Leopard 2A5 is the current version in service with the Bundeswehr. It mainly differs from the A4 version by a wedge-shaped front turret, the modifications of the hull being hardly visible (mainly the front glacis and side skirts).
The kit is manufactured by
Tamiya and has no building trouble. The fitting is very fine and
the only parts needing some attention are the front turret
protections. The engraving is sharp, the engine grilles are so
finely molded that the possible photoetched replacement parts
are of no use there. The turret bins are definitely the parts
needing to be patient. In fact, the nylon mesh provided in the
kit is uneasy to cut and glue. One trick I found on the web is to
apply masking tape to the mesh and draw the template of the
pieces to cut. Gluing is done with trichlo, thus providing with
an efficient solution. You just need to moisten the cut mesh and
its support with trichlo. The melting plastics merge without any
trouble. You just may have to tap on with a flat brush to ensure
the gluing.
The soft vinyl tracks are correct but might be replaced with link-by-link
ones.
The decoration scheme is the one published in the special issue
of Raids dedicated to the Kosovo. Tamiya provides a comprehensive
decal sheet. The chevron decals have been replaced by masking
tape markings which prove more realistic. Likewise, this
technique is used to camouflage the NATO unit symbols, the
masking tape being painted NATO green. Unlike French army
vehicles, Bundeswehr ones KFOR marks were stickers which explains
their very regular aspect.