I have an Idea for the thermal blanket. I did something the other day with my current model. I wanted to change a molded in canvas on a Revell Leopard 2A4 storage basket so I picked the material I wanted to use and then went to glue it in, reached for my glue and picked up some double sided tape insted. Cut it, pressed it down, then I put my canvas cover over it. The thickness of the tape gave it some depth. I think this maybe a good plan for the thermal blanket. Only problem is its going to be awhile before I have a chance to do it. I need that Leopard 1 kit. By the way the double sided tape I used is high quilty stuff I got it from a arcatect modaler.

Well troops just a small update for today.

Have got the hull halves together and started on the rear details. I have used the remaining HKCW track parts from my C1 build for this build.





hopefully another update later today.

cheers

Hi rick
Really intresting leo you are building here the extra armour makes it look like some kind of beatle.
I have just realised that the pictures in model military international are taken by yourself and they are really good.The barracuda would be a real challenge to make in 1:35.
Keep the updates coming
neil...............

Looking good so far. this is my first post here in a long time. Not building any military but I still like to see all the sweet stuff you guys build and come up with. Keep it up.

Hi Rick, ive noticed your leopards cropping up ,

Its always nice to see staff members work!.

Leopards arn't really a popular subjects but they look great!.

Good choice with the additional armour its great to see a tank with lots
extra armor slapped on it !

Thanks Neil,

Yes the pics were taken by myself in Afghanistan and Jason Bobrowich wrote the article for the magazine.

The Barracuda cam might have to be done in two stages, a flat blanket piece and then the perforated cam over top.

Thanks Chris and James for the comments!


cheers

I have a suggestion for the thermal blankets, have you tried using Tamiya Masking tape? They do sell it in very wide rolls. Also, they have mild texture on the surface too...

Cheers,

Lawrence

Hey Lawrence,

I have thought of tape, but I don't think that I will be able to portray the creases convincingly enough. I think that I will go with the miliput route and build the seperate panels just like on the real tanks, and then mate them at the seams.


cheers

Just a little update

Almost have the turret finished and will soon start on the thermal blanket




cheers

Looking good Rick! Cant wait to see how you tackle the thermal blankets, a number of guys at my club have pondered this idea as they want to do something similar on a Chally 2

Great work!

The turret almost looks like the Iraqi T55's with concrete on it.

Lars

Really looking good Rick,

The turret armour looks terrific as well as the base for the chilling unit.

Thanks for posting your update.

Nice! Great example for my own Mexas Leo

Thanks for the comments troops.

Well I used the Tamiya polyester putty, and this stuff is like car bondo LOL. Will not work for the blankets as it is too runny.

I have another thought, I'm going to try foil with a mesh type backing material.

I had finished the cooling unit box but when it was all done looked a little out of scale, so off it came this morning. Also got started on the mine roller bra and attachments.




cheers

It is a work of great craftsmanship. A large project.

Hello Rick
Have you tried or thought about useing tamiya epoxy putty and talcum powder to fabricate the thermal blankets.
neil...............

Hi Rick, Nice start so far. I have just been on your profile and looked at your a6 version, it was sweet. I am looking forward to this one mate. I like the look of canadian armour and AFV's.

Anyway nice work. Keep it up.

Hi i am canadian and im looking for a LAV-3 kit does anybody know if anyone makes this kit?

wait and patience may be worthwhile........ https://armorama.kitmaker.net/news/5209

There are a few LAVIII types available as conversion sets for the AFV Club Stryker from the Czech manufaturer, Real Model (website here: Real Model).

They are first rate kits and are the only real game around until maybe the Trumpeter kit hits the shelves.

cheers;

Bob


Really nice job on the Leopard, Rick, keep going!!
Bob

WOW thats awesome trumpeter is making a kit no way!!!!!

Hi Rick,
Here is my MEXAS in progress.
Miloslav

Looking sweet Miloslav!

Are you going to go with the thermal blankets?


cheers

Rick,

I plan still one with thermal blankets. this I plan with Mine Plough.

Miloslav

Miloslav, Rick,
very nice and inspiring builds.

After CND Leo2A6 I'll build MEXAS.


P.S.
CDN armor is like beer: you cant't stop:-)