The rear part enables me to do some more detailing. I begin with the representation of the disposable fuel tanks fasteners.
Admittedly, it is far from the end and the game is not won yet. But if I finally can do it, it will be the finishing blow. The basic material is the aluminum part of a floppy disk. It might be be the final touch heralding the end of the model build.
So just a little more effort !

The rear part is now complete. The challenge I set for myself is over and in my stride I took advantage of my momentum to build the self protection Galix system. I collected data on the Internet via Google on the Galix system which ranges from an anti-personal mines launcher to a decoy (counter-measures) system which is still a formidable and effective system we tend to forget ... But all of this is another story. Moreover, I want to add concerning the Galix that they are issued (at an attractive price) by  Blast-models. This is a necessary supplement thanks to a remarkable carving and so an easy use.

To keep on the topic, on the rear part I represented the earth cables of the disposable tanks connectors. The straps adjusters have been made from aluminum foil (from a floppy disk).
The turret bustle basket has not been forgotten, the straps and the adjusters have been made with lead foil. The Tamiay PE sheet has been used to represent the mesh inside the basket. I have to say that this PE sheet is sold separately whereas it is necessary to build the model. On this point, I think that Tamiya charge too much for such a content and are petty-minded ... Bah! When you like, you don't count!

The external fuel tanks connector has been detailed with plastic card too.

The MG has been set on its support but will be removed after the painting. I personally think that it spoils the line of the vehicle.

The Tamiya PE grilles have been carefully set. I would advise to pre-glue a corner of the PE part with some white glue and let it dry then only gently lift the part angles to pour a small drop of CA glue.

The building stage is over. The main problem for me, at this stage, is that if I can paint it with the NATO camouflage I haven't any ID plate number.

The painting step can begin. At first I cover the model with a mix of 75% Humbrol Green 80 and 25% Yellow 24. Initially, I planned to use masks to realize the camouflage but considering this quite tedious (peculiarly concerning the turret), I decided to paint it free hand.
The brown patches are painted Matt 62 and the black ones Matt 33. Some touching up with a paintbrush is made around the various panels to soften the contours.

As to the tracks, they have been painted Humbrol Grey with a drop of Yellow. The pads have been first painted Matt 33 then brushed with some Rembrandt black oil paint.

To seal it all, a coat of Klir covers the model giving it a satin look which will later disappear after the various surface treatments.

I chose to decorate it from the pictures Rodolphe Uguen-Laithier and Pierre Delattre kindly gave me. I particularly wanted to thank them here for their contribution. The remarks and advises they provided me with were very useful. Without their help, I must admit this project would never have come to an end.

The "Leclerc" adventure comes to its end!

I present you my version and personal view  of this tank. I couldn't help showing it covered with dust like in the maneuver fields avoiding the mud (as I feared to spoil all the work done by overdoing the weathering) The basic coat sprayed, I used several techniques, one of which was particularly close to my heart.
Following an article by Max Lemaire in the magazine Model issue 11, about the painting of his Ferdinand, I decided to give a try to his weathering technique called Fresh Brush, consisting in applying on the whole model a thin coat of oil paint of the same shade as the basic paint already applied. After having tried and used the same technique as our fellow modeler Max, I must admit that it will be hard for me to do without.

So, prior to the use of the Fresh Brush, the model got two filter coats of a mix of oil paints (Yellow Ochre and Burnt Sienna) diluted with 90% of lighter gas. We must wait up to 24 hours between both the applications of filter.
Then comes the Fresh brush which gives to the colors a warmer and more luminous look.

After the complete drying of the oil paint (wait time of 48 hours), another filter is applied to the whole model, on this case, I sue a mix of Yellow Ochre and Umber Earth.

The dust weathering of the hull sides has been done with a paintbrush and some Humbrol Grey 141 highly diluted, thus rendering the dried mud projection effects (hence the transparent veil).

The skirts have been first sprayed with Humbrol Matt 29 then partially covered with some Matt 72 and to finish with some Matt 141 to "melt" with the hull sides dust.

The hull top has been weathered with Mig pigments.

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