Here is my latest project I have been working on. The leopard C2 is being built for the BIG Cats III campaign, I thought I would share as it’s going to building into a diorama. The C2 starts out with the Italeri kit with the conversion coming from PSM along with the mine roller. There were a few quirky areas dealing with the conversion, but far superior to the Legend offering even though it’s the MEXAS version. I’ve also used replacement wheels and photo etch screen mesh from PMS. A few odds and ends for the tools came from Eduard. The conversion cam with a whole new turret with all the details missing from the italeri kit, even a new barrel with bore sensor. One thing that was strange about the kit was the lack of plastic fuel cans for the back of the turret and no ammo box for the C6. There is no non-slip texture on the turret, for this I just used fine grit sand paper. Beyond that the kit is a breeze to put together.
Here’s the paint slapped on. I’m trying to keep the painting simple and not to over weathered. The plan for the dio is the Leo is going through maintenance in either a motor pool or staging area just prior to training/gunnery. I’ve base the build and painting around several different tanks to make one. The paint I used was strictly from Vallejo model air, I can’t remember for the life of me what colors I used, it was all custom mixed. I’ve used some modulation and filters to being the monotone green to life. Detail paint has been done at this stage before the basic weathering is done to tie everything in.
I know the 23 on the tool box does not match the troop bands on the barrel, but I have a plan for this area.
I also built and painted the antennas separate from the rest of the build.
Here is some of the crew and gear I will be using. The figures are from Trumpeter with replacement heads from Kirin and Warrior. The gear is a mixture of Black dog, Verlinden, Legends, AFV Club, and scratch built. I have to say I really hate the CADPAT or any digital scheme, a real pain to paint.
Now for the MILCOT, I know it’s not a Chevy Silverado, but the F-350 is close enough to look like the 2500HD. I’m not going to put the hard top over the bed like most photo’s I’ve seen in order show off the cargo area. The F-350 is from Vajra and is a real gem of a kit.
