"Skinny the Cat" - Leopard 2A6M CAN
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: March 10, 2012
KitMaker: 18 posts
Armorama: 18 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 20, 2012 - 04:08 AM UTC
Hi Everyone. I have been lurking here for about a year and soaking in all the great models and tips that I can. I am a 16 year-old Canadian Army Cadet that is affiliated with the 8th Canadian Hussars and this is where my interest in Canadian armoured subjects has come from. After building about 6 Canadian armour models, I have built up the courage to chronicle my latest build.
My plan for this will be a small diorama that shows Canadian Leopard crewmen installing the Barracuda Cam on a Leopard 2A6M in Afghanistan. I originally wanted to build the model with the cam net installed but I can't afford any of the conversions and I am not yet confident enough in my skills to potentially ruin a $40 model. So I guess we'll see how it turns out.
This is what I'm starting with. The tank will be strictly out of the box with minor additions as my finances will allow and I will do minor changes to the figures to make them "Canadian".
Any comments or suggestions along the way will be greatly appreciated.
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
On the Bench:
Trumpeter AVGP Cougar (Early)
Hobby Boss Leopard 2A6M CAN
Trumpeter AVGP Grizzly (Early)
Kinetic F/A-18
Alberta, Canada
Joined: July 20, 2006
KitMaker: 706 posts
Armorama: 665 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 20, 2012 - 10:12 AM UTC
Michael
Sounds like a good dio that you plan on doing. If you need help feel free to PM anytime. I have lots of photos of the real beasts that might help you out.
Anthony
AMPS # 2734 , IPMS EDMONTON
Win The Firefight, Protect Your Brothers, Leave No One Behind.
Survivor of 7 rotations, last 3 in the sandbox.
"Gone toe to toe with the Taliban, and won."
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: March 10, 2012
KitMaker: 18 posts
Armorama: 18 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 20, 2012 - 11:33 AM UTC
Thanks Anthony. I definitely will.
The progress so far. I think the long weekend will be a productive one. Putting it away until tomorrow. Honour Guard tomorrow for the Prince of Wales and then back to the bench (kitchen island).
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
PS: The title of this thread was supposed to be "Skinning the Cat" but I just noticed that I hastily misspelled it. How can I change it or have it changed? Thanks.
On the Bench:
Trumpeter AVGP Cougar (Early)
Hobby Boss Leopard 2A6M CAN
Trumpeter AVGP Grizzly (Early)
Kinetic F/A-18
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: March 10, 2012
KitMaker: 18 posts
Armorama: 18 posts
Posted: Monday, May 21, 2012 - 10:23 PM UTC
I didn't make it as far as I was hoping but I still put a good dent in the construction.
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
On the Bench:
Trumpeter AVGP Cougar (Early)
Hobby Boss Leopard 2A6M CAN
Trumpeter AVGP Grizzly (Early)
Kinetic F/A-18
Wisconsin, United States
Joined: April 01, 2007
KitMaker: 52 posts
Armorama: 31 posts
Posted: Saturday, June 30, 2012 - 02:30 AM UTC
Nice work my man diggin it so far.I have the same kit on my build log as well and hopefully if everything goes well it willbe on the work bench this winter.Nice work so far
Alberta, Canada
Joined: July 20, 2006
KitMaker: 706 posts
Armorama: 665 posts
Posted: Saturday, June 30, 2012 - 04:26 PM UTC
Michael
Nice work so far. Only thing is the smoke dischargers should be 6 up top 2 below A6M style. If you need photos send me a PM.
Anthony
AMPS # 2734 , IPMS EDMONTON
Win The Firefight, Protect Your Brothers, Leave No One Behind.
Survivor of 7 rotations, last 3 in the sandbox.
"Gone toe to toe with the Taliban, and won."
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: March 10, 2012
KitMaker: 18 posts
Armorama: 18 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 02:43 AM UTC
Thanks Anthony. I appreciate you pointing that out before I got too far. Perfect timing actually, I have to repaint (haven't posted pics yet)the camouflage. This is the first time I have ever airbrushed NATO camo and my first attempt was pretty weak (lots of over-spray).
This, and my other projects, will be on a seven week hiatus as I leave today for CFB Gagetown to staff at ACSTC Argonaut. I'm taking my camera and, hopefully, I'll be able to get some good reference pictures over the summer.
As a side note, I am currently reading the book Kandahar Tour and I see a Sergeant Sewards referred to when they talk about the Leopard C-1s. Are you one in the same? If so, I'd really like to pick your brain for my Leopard C-1 w/ mine rollers in the Fall. Thanks again.
Have a great summer everyone.
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
On the Bench:
Trumpeter AVGP Cougar (Early)
Hobby Boss Leopard 2A6M CAN
Trumpeter AVGP Grizzly (Early)
Kinetic F/A-18
Lisboa, Portugal
Joined: March 04, 2008
KitMaker: 5,386 posts
Armorama: 4,727 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 03:31 AM UTC
Very nice Leo !
Great project, I hope you nail this one !
Active Builds: 0
Active Campaigns: 0
Alberta, Canada
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 03:46 AM UTC
The grenade discharger configuration is correct as you have built your 2A6M CAN and there is no need to change it.
There was at least one Leopard 2A6M CAN deployed to Afghanistan with the original 4x4 grenade discharger placement. The remainder had the upgraded 6x2 layout.
"We're not the public service of Canada, we're not just another department. We are the Canadian Forces, and our job is to be able to kill people."
July 2005- General R.J. Hillier (Retired), Former Chief of the Defence Staff
Alberta, Canada
Joined: July 20, 2006
KitMaker: 706 posts
Armorama: 665 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 04:54 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Thanks Anthony. I appreciate you pointing that out before I got too far. Perfect timing actually, I have to repaint (haven't posted pics yet)the camouflage. This is the first time I have ever airbrushed NATO camo and my first attempt was pretty weak (lots of over-spray).
This, and my other projects, will be on a seven week hiatus as I leave today for CFB Gagetown to staff at ACSTC Argonaut. I'm taking my camera and, hopefully, I'll be able to get some good reference pictures over the summer.
As a side note, I am currently reading the book Kandahar Tour and I see a Sergeant Sewards referred to when they talk about the Leopard C-1s. Are you one in the same? If so, I'd really like to pick your brain for my Leopard C-1 w/ mine rollers in the Fall. Thanks again.
Have a great summer everyone.
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
Good luck in Gagetown.
Yes, that is myself as mentioned in the book. After that tour I was lucky to get Leo 2 training as well, then departed the unit for another job.
Feel free to contact me at :
[email protected]With any questions.
Anthony
AMPS # 2734 , IPMS EDMONTON
Win The Firefight, Protect Your Brothers, Leave No One Behind.
Survivor of 7 rotations, last 3 in the sandbox.
"Gone toe to toe with the Taliban, and won."
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: October 18, 2002
KitMaker: 2,247 posts
Armorama: 1,138 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 09:59 AM UTC
Looking good Michael,
Where in NB are you? If you ever need anything for the hobby, look me up, I am in Fredericton, and have a hobby shop.
But...maybe you know that already, and I am just not putting the face to the name!
Thanks!
Scott Millican
Elm City Hobbies
1779 Route 640
Hanwell, NB E3C 2B3
Phone: 506-454-8273
Web site: www.elmcityhobbies.com
e-mail:
[email protected]
Hours of operation:
Tue, Wed, Thu, & Sat: 10 to 6
Fri: 10 to 9
Auckland, New Zealand
Joined: June 01, 2011
KitMaker: 1,716 posts
Armorama: 1,638 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 10:50 PM UTC
Michael ... I know what you mean about not being able to afford many things as a young buy ..ok i'm not young anymore but i too was exactly the same as many of us was and some still are ,,broke cause of modelling
If you want a camo net then mate its easy as hell to make your own ..all you need is some bandage and PVA glue .
Its simple to do and super cheap and with some playing around you can get excellent results .
Need any help with this camo net making technique just ask mate ..we all more than happy to help
Phill
I know the voices ain't real but they do come up with some great ideas
Never trust a man who left alone with a tea cozy and doesn't try it on ( Billy Connolly )
Overkill is often very understated
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: March 10, 2012
KitMaker: 18 posts
Armorama: 18 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 03, 2012 - 04:28 AM UTC
@ Bret, John.... Thanks for the encouraging comments.
@ Scott...I live in Sussex. My dad works in Fredericton and he and I have been to your shop a couple times. The last time was a couple years ago. He and my little brother also got some stuff from you at the CAMS Show this year.I may get in touch with you in the Fall, if that's OK. I'd like to start a modelling club at my Cadet Corps.
@ Phill...Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely try that out.
@ Anthony...Thanks. I'll get in touch this Fall.
@ Jason...Thanks for the info. I'm glad I won't have to take these off.
On the Bench:
Trumpeter AVGP Cougar (Early)
Hobby Boss Leopard 2A6M CAN
Trumpeter AVGP Grizzly (Early)
Kinetic F/A-18
Ontario, Canada
Joined: March 01, 2002
KitMaker: 1,607 posts
Armorama: 1,581 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2012 - 06:04 AM UTC
Hi Michael,
I have my second Leo Can on the bench.I have also bought the Echlon netting and plan to apply it to the tank as barracuda.I'm a little leary of attempting it.I'm not sure as to wether I should apply a base mat of maybe tape to the hull first then apply the net or just the net.The net decals are more complicated to apply than I expected.The Trumpeter figures should be easy to make Canadian with most not having any combat gear on.
I am also wondering if I'm going to trash a $40 kit.
Wish me luck and please keep posting your progress.
Here's a few pics of #1.
Tom
[img]
http://put.url.here/image.file" BORDER="0">
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: March 10, 2012
KitMaker: 18 posts
Armorama: 18 posts
Posted: Friday, July 06, 2012 - 12:05 AM UTC
I really like your Leo, Tom. Due to my fear of ruining my model, my plan is to position the figures where they are installing one panel of the Barracuda on the tank. I plan on using foil or paper to put the Camo netting on. I am hoping to buy a conversion kit for the 2A4M CAN when I get home in August as I think that`s the only way I will feel comfortable building a tank that`s fully-clad in Barracuda right now...
On the Bench:
Trumpeter AVGP Cougar (Early)
Hobby Boss Leopard 2A6M CAN
Trumpeter AVGP Grizzly (Early)
Kinetic F/A-18
Ontario, Canada
Joined: March 01, 2002
KitMaker: 1,607 posts
Armorama: 1,581 posts
Posted: Friday, July 06, 2012 - 05:29 AM UTC
I see you have already fixed the fit of the turret by slightly raising the back of the lower hull.Just a heads up on the slat.The instructions are not the clearest to understand and if I recall some of the drilled holes don't match up very well.I should have made notes.Be careful and refer to the box art occasionally.
Tom
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: March 10, 2012
KitMaker: 18 posts
Armorama: 18 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 - 03:49 AM UTC
It's been a while since I've posted. School, work and cadets seem to limit my modelling time. Now that we are writing exams I had some time to get a little work done on my Leo. The detail painting is done and I am now getting ready for a coat of Future, the Echelon decals that arrived today and then weathering commences.
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
On the Bench:
Trumpeter AVGP Cougar (Early)
Hobby Boss Leopard 2A6M CAN
Trumpeter AVGP Grizzly (Early)
Kinetic F/A-18
Ontario, Canada
Joined: August 05, 2003
KitMaker: 1,698 posts
Armorama: 1,563 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 - 02:41 AM UTC
Nice work! Looks like you found some time to do a UN-themed Cougar as well.
Why plan when you can react?
Quebec, Canada
Joined: December 20, 2012
KitMaker: 461 posts
Armorama: 255 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 - 04:13 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I see you have already fixed the fit of the turret by slightly raising the back of the lower hull.Just a heads up on the slat.The instructions are not the clearest to understand and if I recall some of the drilled holes don't match up very well.I should have made notes.Be careful and refer to the box art occasionally.
Tom
Tom, How much again do we have to raise it?
TIA
marco
Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning.
Ontario, Canada
Joined: March 01, 2002
KitMaker: 1,607 posts
Armorama: 1,581 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 - 05:51 AM UTC
Just slightly Marco.
You have to eyeball it just so the back of the turret opening looks level without the small sage it has.
Tom
Ontario, Canada
Joined: September 28, 2006
KitMaker: 2,672 posts
Armorama: 2,475 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 - 09:17 AM UTC
I just installed some sprue 'pillars' to raise the back deck.
What happens is that the center of the upper hull where the turret ring is droops down. This in turn causes the bottom of the slat armour to contact the upper hull. This little fix sorts it out.
cheers
One of the serious problems in planning against Canadian doctrine is that the Canadians do not read their manuals, nor do they feel any obligations to follow their doctrine.
---From a Russian document
------------------------------------------------
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: March 10, 2012
KitMaker: 18 posts
Armorama: 18 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 - 09:26 AM UTC
@Graeme - Thanks. The Cougar is another project I had on the shelf waiting for the tools and such to be painted.
@Marco - Don't know if it helps but my sprue pieces that I used to lift the deck are 1 1/8" long.
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
On the Bench:
Trumpeter AVGP Cougar (Early)
Hobby Boss Leopard 2A6M CAN
Trumpeter AVGP Grizzly (Early)
Kinetic F/A-18
Quebec, Canada
Joined: December 20, 2012
KitMaker: 461 posts
Armorama: 255 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 - 09:50 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Just slightly Marco.
You have to eyeball it just so the back of the turret opening looks level without the small sage it has.
Tom
Quoted Text
@Marco - Don't know if it helps but my sprue pieces that I used to lift the deck are 1 1/8" long.
Thank you and g'luck at Gagetown and most of all, have fun while being prudent ;-)
Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning.
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: March 10, 2012
KitMaker: 18 posts
Armorama: 18 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 06, 2013 - 02:36 AM UTC
Does anyone have, or no where I could find, pictures of the Velcro placement for the 2A6M CAN? I have found pictures of the new 2A4 CAN without the Barracuda installed but I'm not sure if the placement is the same.
Thanks in advance.
On the Bench:
Trumpeter AVGP Cougar (Early)
Hobby Boss Leopard 2A6M CAN
Trumpeter AVGP Grizzly (Early)
Kinetic F/A-18
Alberta, Canada
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 06, 2013 - 02:32 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Does anyone have, or no where I could find, pictures of the Velcro placement for the 2A6M CAN? I have found pictures of the new 2A4 CAN without the Barracuda installed but I'm not sure if the placement is the same.
Thanks in advance.
That might be hard to obtain. The Velcro strips weren't on the tanks when they first went to Afghanistan. The Barracuda was added in Afghanistan after the tanks were already in combat and not in Germany like the 2A4M CANs.
If you are just building your 2A6M CAN with the slat you don't have to worry about the Velcro strips.
"We're not the public service of Canada, we're not just another department. We are the Canadian Forces, and our job is to be able to kill people."
July 2005- General R.J. Hillier (Retired), Former Chief of the Defence Staff
