Leclerc
RT5
Ref :
Heller #81135
Conversion : Terres Modeles #Leclerc RT5
Tracks : Terres Modeles
Eduard #35213 currently replaced by #35720
The Leclerc MBT has been in
service with the French armor regiments for 10 years (1993).
The various versions are called "tranches". The R of RT5
means this version has been retrofitted.
The Terres Modèles
conversion proposes to transform the Heller T5 kit into a RT5.
Thus, it provides the front "beak", the newer style
bustle rack, the hull add-on armor and a more accurate commander
sight.
Despite an awful photocopy acting as an instruction leaflet, the
building is easy and the fit of the conversion kit parts to the
original kit ones is very good
Eduard photoetched kit designed for the Heller kit remains useful
in many regards (grilles, rubber flaps of the skirts, gun mantlet
enhancement...) and deserves the investment. Some close shots
show it well.
The tracks are white metal separate links ones and are provided
by Terres Modeles. They are not very finely molded, suffer from
a lot of flash and are hard to assemble but the final aspect is
by far superior to the kit vinyl tracks.