_GOTOBOTTOM
Armor/AFV: Canadian Armor
Discuss all types of Canadian Armor of all eras.
Hosted by Darren Baker
Canadian Leopard 2A6M help
shopkin4
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
KitMaker: 1,135 posts
Armorama: 1,030 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 03:17 PM UTC
First I want to thank all my neighbors to the north, esp Chris and Miloslav for inspiring me to eventually get this project in the planning stages.

Thanks to my wonderful girlfriend I am now the proud owner of a Tamiya Leopard 2A6.
I planned on building it as a Canadian Leopard operating in Afghanistan, however, I am not sure as to everything I will need to achieve this.

I plan on buying the following:
Eduard Big Ed set for the Leopard 2A6
Storm Miniatures Canadian Leopard 2 set
Echelon Decals Canadian Leopard 2 in Afghanistan
Real Model Modern Canadian Figures

I have:
The kit
Bronco Leopard 2 Workable tracks
A strong will to complete this

Is there anything else that I may need?
Like Barrel Depot L55 Barrel?
Also, my references are limited to general ones seen on the internet. Could anyone offer any suggestions for good reference material.

Also, I'm not afraid of scratch building anymore and after this Stryker I feel like I have a very good grasp of PE and from my engineering classes I can solder very well.

Any advice or help is very welcomed!

LeoCmdr
Visit this Community
Alberta, Canada
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 03:33 PM UTC
Is the slat armour included in the 2A6 Big set? You will need that for sure.

Sounds like you have everything you would need.

Try searching the Canadian Forces Combat Camera site for images of the tanks....just search for "Leopard".

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/netpub/server.np?base&site=combatcamera&catalog=photos&template=find_eng.np

Try here too...

http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/ldshrecceboy/?start=500

shopkin4
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
KitMaker: 1,135 posts
Armorama: 1,030 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 03:36 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Is the slat armour included in the 2A6 Big set? You will need that for sure.

Sounds like you have everything you would need.

Try searching the Canadian Forces Combat Camera site for images of the tanks....just search for "Leopard".

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/netpub/server.np?base&site=combatcamera&catalog=photos&template=find_eng.np

Try here too...

http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/ldshrecceboy/?start=500



Thanks Jason!

That review you did on the conversion set actually sold my girlfriend on the kit. So I think I should be saying thanks to you as well

I'll check those links out now.
jwest21
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: October 16, 2006
KitMaker: 3,374 posts
Armorama: 3,126 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 03:43 PM UTC
Enjoy the build- I am working on the same now. I used the Storm set, Eduard PE and slat armor and the barrel depot barrel. I also just ordered the Real Model Canadian Tankers to give me a couple guys to pop in the turret. The Storm set is great- whatever resin he uses, it is very easy to work with. It is strong and really durable, so no need to worry about breaking parts. My next step is adding the slat armor, which has me a little nervous.
shopkin4
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
KitMaker: 1,135 posts
Armorama: 1,030 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 03:50 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Enjoy the build- I am working on the same now. I used the Storm set, Eduard PE and slat armor and the barrel depot barrel. I also just ordered the Real Model Canadian Tankers to give me a couple guys to pop in the turret. The Storm set is great- whatever resin he uses, it is very easy to work with. It is strong and really durable, so no need to worry about breaking parts. My next step is adding the slat armor, which has me a little nervous.


Jason,

I think I'll say this again. I think you and I are the same builder. You're building almost everything I'm working on and its funny and maybe a little bit scary haha
chrisj
Visit this Community
Newfoundland, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2007
KitMaker: 473 posts
Armorama: 467 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 03:54 PM UTC
Sean the barrel is fine in the Tamiya kit in fact its better then most of the alloy aftermarket ones,including the barrel you mentioned
For pics go to my Photobucket page and you will find 600 plus pics of Leopards.

The decals come in the Storm set so don't buy those. I have a spare storm set if you can't track down Andriy.
I have advise for you so post as you go and I'll keep an eye on your build to give you pointers. Its a very straight forward build.
If you feel the need to start right away I have a short list of mods you might want to do to the Tamiya kit parts before you start putting it together,IE weld seams and stuff like that.
I know the Tamiya Leo kit well. I'm currently working on 3 2A5,2A6 models.
shopkin4
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
KitMaker: 1,135 posts
Armorama: 1,030 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 04:00 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Sean the barrel is fine in the Tamiya kit in fact its better then most of the alloy aftermarket ones,including the barrel you mentioned
For pics go to my Photobucket page and you will find 600 plus pics of Leopards.

The decals come in the Storm set so don't buy those. I have a spare storm set if you can't track down Andriy.
I have advise for you so post as you go and I'll keep an eye on your build to give you pointers. Its a very straight forward build.
If you feel the need to start right away I have a short list of mods you might want to do to the Tamiya kit parts before you start putting it together,IE weld seams and stuff like that.
I know the Tamiya Leo kit well. I'm currently working on 3 2A5,2A6 models.


Thanks alot Chris. I will be starting this one in a month or so when i come home for spring break. I will only get a day or two to work on it because I'm actually coming to canada to train for the up coming season.

it was about time I pulled the trigger on this one luckily my gf convinced me to start yet another build
jwest21
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: October 16, 2006
KitMaker: 3,374 posts
Armorama: 3,126 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 04:26 PM UTC
I just looked at your build list and the only one I don't have is the HEMMT! My HB Leo is going to be GErman, though. That IS scary!!!!!
recceboy
Visit this Community
Alberta, Canada
Joined: July 20, 2006
KitMaker: 706 posts
Armorama: 665 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 04:52 PM UTC
Sean
If you need any help send me a PM and will help out as much as I can.I have lots of photos that might help out.

Cheers

Anthony
shopkin4
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
KitMaker: 1,135 posts
Armorama: 1,030 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 05:37 PM UTC
Anthony,

Thank you...I sent you a PM with my email address in it
chnoone
Visit this Community
Armed Forces Europe, United States
Joined: January 01, 2009
KitMaker: 1,036 posts
Armorama: 1,033 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 09:50 PM UTC
Hi Sean !

You are a busy man ! All these tanks and the girls .... lucky you !javascript:PasteSmiley(':D')

For the barrel I can only recommend one from ARMO it has the best detail, but as Chris indicated, if you put a little work to the one provided in the kit your good to go !

One thing you should not miss though is the 3rd. generation side skirts, Jason might have a more detailed insight of "where and when" they got mounted, so far I know they were part of the "package" installed in Germany along with the other " M " features.

In one of my blogs I have posted two pic showing these features, if you need some more just send me a mail.
There are strong indications that PSM is coming out with 2 new side skirts sets, specifically for all the 2A5 and 2A6 variants including the 3rd gen. version.
Send them an email, maybe they can give you a release date ?
Don‘t forget this will be a 2A6 M with belly armour !

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/152479&page=1

Cheers
Christopher
chrisj
Visit this Community
Newfoundland, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2007
KitMaker: 473 posts
Armorama: 467 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 04:52 AM UTC
Hey Chris

The Storm set has the belly plat included in the set. The storm kit updates the Leo to m designation and includes all the parts for the Can. Leopard 2A6.
I'm not 100% sure about all the Can. Leos having the 3 gen. light side skirts, Sean if you want to leave that detail out check my photos and you might find one with the recessed bolts. If you want to model the new skirts let me know I have a quick and easy way to make the modification to the Tamiya parts.
shopkin4
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
KitMaker: 1,135 posts
Armorama: 1,030 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 04:58 AM UTC
Chris J: When the time comes I will def ask. You'll see the blog and your help will be very welcomed

Chris N: Yeah, I know...lucky me , but being a college student just doesn't give you much time to build. I'd rather not transport all my tools and supplies back and fourth. Not much room in the least bit. Just getting all I need because there may be a time when I come home and I could start work on it. You never know.

However, this will be my LAST kit until I finish the long list below....well of course barring I get a Tamiya T-55A

But if this is anything like my Challenger I know this kit will essentially build it self.
LeoCmdr
Visit this Community
Alberta, Canada
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 05:51 AM UTC

Quoted Text

One thing you should not miss though is the 3rd. generation side skirts, Jason might have a more detailed insight of "where and when" they got mounted, so far I know they were part of the "package" installed in Germany along with the other " M " features.


Your images show the first Leopard with the conning tower mounting the 3rd generation skirts and the second image shows the Leopard in the foreground with a combination of 2nd and 3rd generation skirts...last three sections are 3rd generation.

The 3rd generation side skirts are an all steel version of the 2nd generation (composite) straight edge skirts as depicted in the Tamiya 2A5 and 2A6 kit.

The differences are how the bolts are mounted. The 3rd generation skirts have all the bolts surface mounted and a few recessed holes eliminated. The 2nd generation skirts have all the bolts recessed.

For those that have finished a Canadian 2A6M too late to change it now....for those who are building one....The Canadian Leopard 2A6Ms have the 3rd generation side skirts.

This is an easy fix with just adding the bolts over the existing recessed holes in the side skirts.




shopkin4
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
KitMaker: 1,135 posts
Armorama: 1,030 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 05:56 AM UTC
Perfect.

Thanks Jason!
jwest21
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: October 16, 2006
KitMaker: 3,374 posts
Armorama: 3,126 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 06:07 AM UTC
Do you have a close up of the bolt?


Quoted Text


Quoted Text

One thing you should not miss though is the 3rd. generation side skirts, Jason might have a more detailed insight of "where and when" they got mounted, so far I know they were part of the "package" installed in Germany along with the other " M " features.


Your images show the first Leopard with the conning tower mounting the 3rd generation skirts and the second image shows the Leopard in the foreground with a combination of 2nd and 3rd generation skirts...last three sections are 3rd generation.

The 3rd generation side skirts are an all steel version of the 2nd generation (composite) straight edge skirts as depicted in the Tamiya 2A5 and 2A6 kit.

The differences are how the bolts are mounted. The 3rd generation skirts have all the bolts surface mounted and a few recessed holes eliminated. The 2nd generation skirts have all the bolts recessed.

For those that have finished a Canadian 2A6M too late to change it now....for those who are building one....The Canadian Leopard 2A6Ms have the 3rd generation side skirts.

This is an easy fix with just adding the bolts over the existing recessed holes in the side skirts.




chrisj
Visit this Community
Newfoundland, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2007
KitMaker: 473 posts
Armorama: 467 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 06:31 AM UTC
here you go
jwest21
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: October 16, 2006
KitMaker: 3,374 posts
Armorama: 3,126 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 06:33 AM UTC
I can't see the picture. Could you try emailing it to me? THanks

[email protected]
shopkin4
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
KitMaker: 1,135 posts
Armorama: 1,030 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 06:37 AM UTC
Same here, the picture isnt appearing
Zaltar
Visit this Community
British Columbia, Canada
Joined: May 03, 2008
KitMaker: 272 posts
Armorama: 264 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 07:55 AM UTC
Just curious, but is this build for the True North Strong and Free Campaign?

zaltar
chnoone
Visit this Community
Armed Forces Europe, United States
Joined: January 01, 2009
KitMaker: 1,036 posts
Armorama: 1,033 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 07:58 AM UTC
Found this photo, taken 2004 in Koblenz Germany



Cheers
Christopher
jwest21
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: October 16, 2006
KitMaker: 3,374 posts
Armorama: 3,126 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 08:08 AM UTC
works now. Thanks!
chrisj
Visit this Community
Newfoundland, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2007
KitMaker: 473 posts
Armorama: 467 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 08:08 AM UTC
Demo
First drill out all the recessed bolt head with the Dreamel

Use these bolt heads from Tichy Train, keep the stems on them for easy handling

Next slide the stems in the drilled holes and glue and trim on the backside of the skirt.

Doing it this way is faster and looks cleaner then just gluing the bolt head on top.
One thing I could have done better for the demo is used a smaller drill bit to get a tighter fit.
bulivyf
Vendor
REAL MODEL
Visit this Community
Praha, Czech Republic
Joined: April 03, 2006
KitMaker: 2,450 posts
Armorama: 2,409 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 08:28 AM UTC
Sean,

If you plan use Eduard Big Ed you must use Tamiya Leo because Base PE set is for Tamiya and Slat too.
Base set is different. Slat maybe fit to HB but you can have problem with Slat build.
Miloslav
shopkin4
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
KitMaker: 1,135 posts
Armorama: 1,030 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 08:56 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Sean,

If you plan use Eduard Big Ed you must use Tamiya Leo because Base PE set is for Tamiya and Slat too.
Base set is different. Slat maybe fit to HB but you can have problem with Slat build.
Miloslav


This will be for a Tamiya Leopard 2A6M. Just like the one you built.
 _GOTOTOP