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Converting Italeri's Leopard 1 into C2 Mexas
Alpha6
Joined: April 23, 2014
KitMaker: 116 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 31, 2014 - 06:43 PM UTC
Hey Everyone, I was wondering if it is possible to convert Italieri's Leopard 1 into a C2? Although the turrets are different, I feel that the applique armor should cover any noticeable differences. Secondly, I was wondering if I may humbly ask for some reference pictures of the C2, specifically closeups of the upgraded armor. Thanks again for your help.
junglejim
Joined: February 18, 2003
KitMaker: 1,728 posts
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Posted: Saturday, May 31, 2014 - 06:54 PM UTC
Hi Sam,
I assume you're talking about the Italeri 1A4 kit? Short answer, no, it can't be done. Although the hull MEXAS armour on the C1 and C2 is the same, the welded turret of the C1 (1A3/4) is just too different from the rounded, cast turret of the C2 (1A5) making the MEXAS armour unique to each turret. If you want a C2 MEXAS the easiest route right now is to get the Takom kit.
Jim
I assume you're talking about the Italeri 1A4 kit? Short answer, no, it can't be done. Although the hull MEXAS armour on the C1 and C2 is the same, the welded turret of the C1 (1A3/4) is just too different from the rounded, cast turret of the C2 (1A5) making the MEXAS armour unique to each turret. If you want a C2 MEXAS the easiest route right now is to get the Takom kit.
Jim
Alpha6
Joined: April 23, 2014
KitMaker: 116 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 31, 2014 - 08:15 PM UTC
Hi JungleJim, thanks for your help. I was referring to the 1A4 kit. Guess I'm not making a MEXAS after all. If I may ask a second question, if I'm not making a MEXAS, what can I do with the 1A4 kit, in terms of depicting a vehicle that saw front line action? Thanks again for your help.
LeoCmdr
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 12:09 AM UTC
What do you mean front line action?
The Canadian Leopard C1 MEXAS was deployed to Kosovo. You need to convert the kit to this version but there is no conversion available at the current time.
The Danish Leopard 1A5DK deployed to Bosnia. You need to convert the kit to this version...a conversion will soon be available from Legend Productions to create a UN version.
You can simply build the kit as a German Leopard 1A4 that served in Germany during the Cold War.
The Canadian Leopard C1 MEXAS was deployed to Kosovo. You need to convert the kit to this version but there is no conversion available at the current time.
The Danish Leopard 1A5DK deployed to Bosnia. You need to convert the kit to this version...a conversion will soon be available from Legend Productions to create a UN version.
You can simply build the kit as a German Leopard 1A4 that served in Germany during the Cold War.
specmod
Joined: August 12, 2009
KitMaker: 93 posts
Armorama: 91 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 12:34 AM UTC
there is a company that does a brilliant conversion for this kit, Track Jam Models. I did a review for one of the recent MMI mags. Resin, etch, a full multi media kit, well worth its money. Hope this helps. Cheers
mshackleton
Joined: December 16, 2007
KitMaker: 559 posts
Armorama: 517 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 01:45 AM UTC
Alpha6
Joined: April 23, 2014
KitMaker: 116 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 06:02 AM UTC
@LeoCmdr, Sorry, I should have been more specific. By front line action, I meant to say if the vehicle was used in combat in any major conflicts. Thanks for your suggestions though; the ones that you provided me were great alternatives.
@mshackleton: I see why it's called the Leopard Club. Thanks for the recommendation.
@specmod: I'll check it out on ebay. Thanks for the help.
@mshackleton: I see why it's called the Leopard Club. Thanks for the recommendation.
@specmod: I'll check it out on ebay. Thanks for the help.
Alpha6
Joined: April 23, 2014
KitMaker: 116 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 06:18 AM UTC
Oh specmod, one more question, is there a difference between the Danish Leopard 1A5DK and the UN version? Thanks again.
junglejim
Joined: February 18, 2003
KitMaker: 1,728 posts
Armorama: 1,629 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:30 AM UTC
Just so we're on the same page, this is a C1 MEXAS:
And this one is a C2 MEXAS:
Note the difference in the turret shapes and armour modules. You might want to try contacting Anthony Sewards (recceboy) to see about getting his excellent reference disks if he has any left.
Jim
And this one is a C2 MEXAS:
Note the difference in the turret shapes and armour modules. You might want to try contacting Anthony Sewards (recceboy) to see about getting his excellent reference disks if he has any left.
Jim
aristeidis
Joined: September 15, 2012
KitMaker: 621 posts
Armorama: 592 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:49 AM UTC
Is there a conversion for the Leopard C1 Mexas? 
I know that in the past Maple Leaf had a conversion with the correct turret and the armored plates! Is there any company in nowadays reproducing this conversion? since for the hull the TAKOM kit of C2 Mexas is the same as the C1 variant! 
I know that in the past Maple Leaf had a conversion with the correct turret and the armored plates! Is there any company in nowadays reproducing this conversion? since for the hull the TAKOM kit of C2 Mexas is the same as the C1 variant! LeoCmdr
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 02:28 PM UTC
Quoted Text
@LeoCmdr, Sorry, I should have been more specific. By front line action, I meant to say if the vehicle was used in combat in any major conflicts. Thanks for your suggestions though; the ones that you provided me were great alternatives.
Only the Danish with the Leopard 1A5DK in Bosnia and the Canadians with the Leopard C2 MEXAS in Afghanistan have fired shots in combat.
LeoCmdr
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 02:31 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Oh specmod, one more question, is there a difference between the Danish Leopard 1A5DK and the UN version? Thanks again.
During the deployment to Bosnia there were some minor additions such as the UN flag, a spotlight on the rear of the turret to illuminate the flag, and a searchlight on the mantlet as well as the associated cable conduits and commander's control box.
Accurate Armour makes a very nice conversion of a basic Leopard 1A4DK...but if you want a UN version wait for the future Legend Productions conversion.
LeoCmdr
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 02:33 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Is there a conversion for the Leopard C1 Mexas?
No conversion available currently...patience young grasshopper.
Alpha6
Joined: April 23, 2014
KitMaker: 116 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 06:38 PM UTC
@junglejim: Thanks for the photos, it definitely clarified a lot of things for me. Regrettably, there are elephants at the zoo with better fine motor skills than me; so it doesn't look like I'm going to convert my 1A4 into a C1 anytime soon. 
Thanks again for your help though.
@LeoCmdr: is this the Legends conversion that you're talking about?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leopard-1A5DK1-Conversion-set-1-35-LF1282-/371064933504?pt=Model_Kit_US&hash=item5665318c80
Sorry, I never figured out how to embed images on to the site yet. It doesn't say UN, but it's a Dutch mod, and the UN flag is easily sourced. I appreciate your help on this.
@aristeidis: If you ever do build a C1, post your pics; I for one would love to see a finished example of one.
Thanks again for your help though.@LeoCmdr: is this the Legends conversion that you're talking about?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leopard-1A5DK1-Conversion-set-1-35-LF1282-/371064933504?pt=Model_Kit_US&hash=item5665318c80
Sorry, I never figured out how to embed images on to the site yet. It doesn't say UN, but it's a Dutch mod, and the UN flag is easily sourced. I appreciate your help on this.
@aristeidis: If you ever do build a C1, post your pics; I for one would love to see a finished example of one.
aristeidis
Joined: September 15, 2012
KitMaker: 621 posts
Armorama: 592 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 08:25 PM UTC
Quoted Text
@aristeidis: If you ever do build a C1, post your pics; I for one would love to see a finished example of one.
I saw this build of the C1 Mexas with the Maple leaf conversion and inspired! http://modelerssocialclub.proboards.com/thread/1411/canadian-leopard-c1-mexas Pity there is noconversion yet available!
It would look nice next to the C2 Mexas! 
young_sven
Joined: May 14, 2010
KitMaker: 749 posts
Armorama: 743 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:35 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Oh specmod, one more question, is there a difference between the Danish Leopard 1A5DK and the UN version? Thanks again.
Hi Samuel,
Jason has already answered your specific question above, but do note that the new Legend conversion is for a Leopard 1A5 DK1, which is not the same as the Danish Leopard 1 DK's (without the "1" at the end) deployed in UN service in Bosnia (i.e. white painted).
The DK1 was deployed in time for SFOR and KFOR (and perhaps late IFOR, I am not sure) and were painted in regular green/black cammo, and included several major modifications compared to the DK, such as (for example) the APU on the back of the turret etc. The UN (DK) version only had a stowage box on the rear of the turret.
I guess you could use the Legend conversion to build the UN DK version, but then you would have to omit a few of the major parts and scratchbuild the earlier style turret stowage box (which I believe was actually "borrowed" from trucks). I would assume that Legend has a DK conversion in the works, since it is basically a matter of removing parts from their DK1 set (and adding a different turret stowage box).
Cheers,
Sven
Alpha6
Joined: April 23, 2014
KitMaker: 116 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2014 - 06:30 AM UTC
@aristeidis I can see why you would want to build one. It looks really good.
@sven young: Thank you for affirming Jason's answer; having more than one source only makes your research that much more consistent. If I may ask two more questions, do you know roughly which parts I need to omit (I.e spotlight, extra wires , etc) and may I ask for a picture of the early stowage bin? thanks again young sven
@sven young: Thank you for affirming Jason's answer
; having more than one source only makes your research that much more consistent. If I may ask two more questions, do you know roughly which parts I need to omit (I.e spotlight, extra wires , etc) and may I ask for a picture of the early stowage bin? thanks again young sven young_sven
Joined: May 14, 2010
KitMaker: 749 posts
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Posted: Monday, June 02, 2014 - 07:04 AM UTC
Quoted Text
@sven young: Thank you for affirming Jason's answer
Samuel, no problem, happy to help. My knowledge of the Leopards is nowhere close to Jason's and the team at Leopard Club, but I have built both the 1A5DK and DK1 and I think these pictures can perhaps explain the differences in the turret configurations:
Leopard 1A5DK with simple stowage box on turret rear:
http://data3.primeportal.net/tanks/peter_van_iren/leopard_1a5_dk/images/leopard_1a5_dk_2_of_3.jpg
Leopard 1A5DK1 rear turret (pics of Legends DK1 conversion):
http://www.www-legend.co.kr/data/bbs/con_LWrmBY.jpg
For the DK version, do not use the two large "boxes" on the rear of the turret (APU and stowage box).
Leopard 1A5DK1 turret right side:
http://www.www-legend.co.kr/data/bbs/con_lMs11X.jpg
Do not use the etched and resin grills on top and on the side of the turret, they are for the APU unit. The perforated etched plate on the side of the APU should of course not be used either.
There may be some other smaller differences between the DK and DK1, but these are the big ones.
Cheers,
Sven
Alpha6
Joined: April 23, 2014
KitMaker: 116 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2014 - 09:26 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text@sven young: Thank you for affirming Jason's answer
Samuel, no problem, happy to help. My knowledge of the Leopards is nowhere close to Jason's and the team at Leopard Club, but I have built both the 1A5DK and DK1 and I think these pictures can perhaps explain the differences in the turret configurations:
Leopard 1A5DK with simple stowage box on turret rear:
http://data3.primeportal.net/tanks/peter_van_iren/leopard_1a5_dk/images/leopard_1a5_dk_2_of_3.jpg
Leopard 1A5DK1 rear turret (pics of Legends DK1 conversion):
http://www.www-legend.co.kr/data/bbs/con_LWrmBY.jpg
For the DK version, do not use the two large "boxes" on the rear of the turret (APU and stowage box).
Leopard 1A5DK1 turret right side:
http://www.www-legend.co.kr/data/bbs/con_lMs11X.jpg
Do not use the etched and resin grills on top and on the side of the turret, they are for the APU unit. The perforated etched plate on the side of the APU should of course not be used either.
There may be some other smaller differences between the DK and DK1, but these are the big ones.
Cheers,
Sven
Those pictures were exactly what I needed. =D Is there a chance I could simply use the the "large box" on the left of the DK1 and move that box into the DK's position. The reason I'm asking is because they look really similar. Everything else is easy enough to remember; if it's perforated or if it is a turret grill, don't use it. Hopefully, no one is going to call me out on the little changes that I am going to omit =P. Thanks again. =D
LeoCmdr
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2014 - 10:47 AM UTC
...Or you could just wait for the upcoming release of the Legend Productions Leopard 1A5DK version that can be built as the UN version...this will be different than the 1A5DK-1.
Alpha6
Joined: April 23, 2014
KitMaker: 116 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2014 - 11:49 AM UTC
Quoted Text
...Or you could just wait for the upcoming release of the Legend Productions Leopard 1A5DK version that can be built as the UN version...this will be different than the 1A5DK-1.
any idea when it's coming out?
LeoCmdr
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2014 - 02:01 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text...Or you could just wait for the upcoming release of the Legend Productions Leopard 1A5DK version that can be built as the UN version...this will be different than the 1A5DK-1.
any idea when it's coming out?
Nope, sorry I don't.
young_sven
Joined: May 14, 2010
KitMaker: 749 posts
Armorama: 743 posts
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2014 - 03:30 PM UTC
Quoted Text
...Or you could just wait for the upcoming release of the Legend Productions Leopard 1A5DK version that can be built as the UN version...this will be different than the 1A5DK-1.
Definitely sounds like the best way to go, shame to pay all that extra for the DK1 parts if you're not going to use them :-)
Samuel: sorry, the stowage box in the DK1 conversion is not the same as used on the DK.
Alpha6
Joined: April 23, 2014
KitMaker: 116 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2014 - 04:31 PM UTC
It's alright; I'll just scratch the early box then. I could probably use the extra parts as spares. Thanks young_sven.
mshackleton
Joined: December 16, 2007
KitMaker: 559 posts
Armorama: 517 posts
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2014 - 06:22 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text...Or you could just wait for the upcoming release of the Legend Productions Leopard 1A5DK version that can be built as the UN version...this will be different than the 1A5DK-1.
any idea when it's coming out?
Very soon - in the next week or so - so Legend tell me.
Leopard Club will be stocking them and Leopard Workshop already does decal sheets for both Danish versions. http://leopardclub.ca/workshop/
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