I think I can show new photos on the weekend.And yes, happy hunting!
Campaigns
Where Armorama group builds can be discussed, organized, and updates posted.
Where Armorama group builds can be discussed, organized, and updates posted.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Richard S.
40 Years of the Leopard 2 - ACTIVE
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
Armorama: 326 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 - 08:11 AM UTC
Good progress, Gary! You're close to the finish line. My Hellas Leo has got camo No. 3 (black) yesterday and today. One more to go .... I think I can show new photos on the weekend.
And yes, happy hunting!
I think I can show new photos on the weekend.And yes, happy hunting!
LeoCmdr
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
Armorama: 3,917 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 - 08:35 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Calling my build done! Still got some crew members to build up and paint, but the kit is done. I wanted to represent a Canadian Leopard 2a4M Can in Canadian configuration with the LDSH.
Hull finished
Sorry I didn't take photos during the painting process but her she is. I used all Mission Models paints Black primer, White primer (for pre shading), and Nato green. Weathering was done with Mig washes and Tamiya panel liner. When weathering was done an overall coat of Mission Models Transparent Dust was applied with more over the lower hull and running gear. The Velcro patches are from Leopard workshop and a fantastic giving a better look than flat decals.
Well done John! As a former Strathcona your Leopard is looking very nice!
ComradeMP
#0
Joined: July 31, 2011
KitMaker: 472 posts
Armorama: 453 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 18, 2020 - 02:29 AM UTC
One more campaign for me. I'll be joining in with this:
Your probably thinking, "Wait, that's not a..."
But it is. Bought this kit as previously owned at the LHS for cheap. Wasn't until sometime later that I opened it and found a Tamiya leopard 2A5 in the box.
Kit was complete but I'm going to have to get new decals as this is how I found the ones in the box.
My first move was to add the clear lenses. Used strips of mylar from some table decoration I found at a 99 cent store.
I think it's a nice result.
Roadwheels and the hull parts are done. Even went ahead and replaced the molded on grab handles with strip styrene.
The turret clear lenses from the other side. Use very little glue for the clear parts, then I place the mylar and carefully add two part putty to fill in the space. This keeps the mylar nice and pressed up against the clear lens without using glue on it, and gives me some resistance when I add masking tape later for painting.
Already masked the gun sight.
Your probably thinking, "Wait, that's not a..."
But it is. Bought this kit as previously owned at the LHS for cheap. Wasn't until sometime later that I opened it and found a Tamiya leopard 2A5 in the box.
Kit was complete but I'm going to have to get new decals as this is how I found the ones in the box.
My first move was to add the clear lenses. Used strips of mylar from some table decoration I found at a 99 cent store.
I think it's a nice result.
Roadwheels and the hull parts are done. Even went ahead and replaced the molded on grab handles with strip styrene.
The turret clear lenses from the other side. Use very little glue for the clear parts, then I place the mylar and carefully add two part putty to fill in the space. This keeps the mylar nice and pressed up against the clear lens without using glue on it, and gives me some resistance when I add masking tape later for painting.
Already masked the gun sight.
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
Armorama: 326 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 18, 2020 - 06:51 AM UTC
Quoted Text
One more campaign for me. I'll be joining in with this:
Your probably thinking, "Wait, that's not a..."
Yeah, that's what I thought in the first moment. The potentially enemy tank for the Leo 2 if the Cold War would have become hot in the 1980's ....
Anyway, welcome to the campaign, ComradeMP and a nice start! Enjoy your build! Concerning the torn decals, do you know the main distributor in the USA for Tamiya? Write them and show that photo (okay not that with the T-72 ....) and I'm sure they will send you a replacement for free. If you don't get a new set ask here on Armorama. There's sure someone who can help you out.
Happy modelling!
Torsten
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
Armorama: 326 posts
Posted: Friday, June 19, 2020 - 08:25 AM UTC
Have done a bit of work lately. Camo No. 3 is on ....
.... followed by No. 4 today ....
.... for Light Grey I used this one ....
.... the funny thing is, that I found all tones among my USAF Vietnam Era paints ....
Still have to do some touch ups here and there with Brown and Green and the detail painting. But then it's time to take some care of the turret.
Have a great weekend!
Torsten
.... followed by No. 4 today ....
.... for Light Grey I used this one ....
.... the funny thing is, that I found all tones among my USAF Vietnam Era paints ....
Still have to do some touch ups here and there with Brown and Green and the detail painting. But then it's time to take some care of the turret.
Have a great weekend!
Torsten
GazzaS
#424
Joined: April 23, 2015
KitMaker: 4,648 posts
Armorama: 2,248 posts
Posted: Friday, June 19, 2020 - 10:33 PM UTC
Torsten,
Your camo looks great! I'm onto weathering now. I experimented with a new technique.
Yet, there is so much more to do!
Happy hunting!
Your camo looks great! I'm onto weathering now. I experimented with a new technique.
Yet, there is so much more to do!
Happy hunting!
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
Armorama: 326 posts
Posted: Saturday, June 20, 2020 - 02:44 AM UTC
Your weathering comes along nicely, Gary! How do you do it?
Btw., that unit marking on the rear of your Leo comes close to my old unit. Mine was the 4./ 83. In the 1990's, after the battalion was disbanded, our Leos were sold to Spain after depot maintenance.
Have done some corrections with Brown today. My Leo will get only a little weathering. The new 2A4GR were first shown to the public on a parade in Athens in October 2005.
Torsten
Btw., that unit marking on the rear of your Leo comes close to my old unit. Mine was the 4./ 83. In the 1990's, after the battalion was disbanded, our Leos were sold to Spain after depot maintenance.
Have done some corrections with Brown today. My Leo will get only a little weathering. The new 2A4GR were first shown to the public on a parade in Athens in October 2005.
Torsten
GazzaS
#424
Joined: April 23, 2015
KitMaker: 4,648 posts
Armorama: 2,248 posts
Posted: Saturday, June 20, 2020 - 09:12 AM UTC
Torsten,
Thank you! It was a bit of an experiment. One of those things that you think might just ruin the model. And the only way I could think to make a Leopard look like this:
Fortunately I like the result. You've seen modelling videos where the modeller is using a paintbrush to spatter mud in targeted areas? He ripples the bristles with a fingertip so the model gets spatters. Mine is different in that the spattered, very thin, oil paint lands in droplets all over. I used different colors between yellow-dirt to grey dirt, thinned with white spirits, almost saturating the upper and side surfaces. Any spattered droplets that were too conspicuous were dabbed with a wet brush.
Of course, it looks better under real light than it does under the super-bright light of my bench.
Here are two bench shots for comparison:
Of course.... if you have any insights, as a former Leopard Crew member, I'd be glad to hear them.
Thank you! It was a bit of an experiment. One of those things that you think might just ruin the model. And the only way I could think to make a Leopard look like this:
Fortunately I like the result. You've seen modelling videos where the modeller is using a paintbrush to spatter mud in targeted areas? He ripples the bristles with a fingertip so the model gets spatters. Mine is different in that the spattered, very thin, oil paint lands in droplets all over. I used different colors between yellow-dirt to grey dirt, thinned with white spirits, almost saturating the upper and side surfaces. Any spattered droplets that were too conspicuous were dabbed with a wet brush.
Of course, it looks better under real light than it does under the super-bright light of my bench.
Here are two bench shots for comparison:
Of course.... if you have any insights, as a former Leopard Crew member, I'd be glad to hear them.
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
Armorama: 326 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 28, 2020 - 04:38 AM UTC
Gary, your weathering looks good, looks just right. Remember, this is a modern tank which is well maintained. When we came home from our local training area, we put our Leos in the washing machine at 60°C for 30 minutes and afterwards they were fresh and clean and had the smell of spring flowers .... 
Of course we had an automatic tank and truck wash at the entrance of our training area but we also used manual high pressure cleaners because mud always likes to hide behind the side skirts and elsewhere. In the end we usually were as wet as our tank ....
Anyway, the main painting on my 2A4GR is done now. Just have to do some touch ups here and there on the turret as you can see, followed by detail painting, e.g. lights, tools, fuel filling tube, etc. ....
I think it will take another 2 weeks before Greece gets another tank.
Torsten
Of course we had an automatic tank and truck wash at the entrance of our training area but we also used manual high pressure cleaners because mud always likes to hide behind the side skirts and elsewhere. In the end we usually were as wet as our tank ....
Anyway, the main painting on my 2A4GR is done now. Just have to do some touch ups here and there on the turret as you can see, followed by detail painting, e.g. lights, tools, fuel filling tube, etc. ....
I think it will take another 2 weeks before Greece gets another tank.
Torsten
agriamodeling
Joined: March 09, 2018
KitMaker: 206 posts
Armorama: 205 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 28, 2020 - 07:55 AM UTC
Hello Gents,
I occasionally visit the campaign to check your progress and I am amazed with what you have done so far. All models look superb and I am excited to join as soon as I complete the Trumpeter mk VI campaign I am participating. Actually I wanted to build a dutch 2A4 but as the news are coming along, it could be a hungarian version as I read that the first tanks are awaited in Hungary in July. Which is a couple of days only. I am sure they will be on display for the public in the summertime (maybe on 20th August). The user brigade Facebook page shows parts of a 4-colour camo but it is not completed yet. Anyway, the final appearance will be seen soon (fingers xd).
As a plan B I also bought a decal set for polish Leopard 2A5 (I have the Revell kit in the stash). Multiple choices to choose from. As I usually take some 5-6 months for a build, no doubt I have to start it in July.
Anyway, keep up on the good works and post post the build photos.
Tamás
I occasionally visit the campaign to check your progress and I am amazed with what you have done so far. All models look superb and I am excited to join as soon as I complete the Trumpeter mk VI campaign I am participating. Actually I wanted to build a dutch 2A4 but as the news are coming along, it could be a hungarian version as I read that the first tanks are awaited in Hungary in July. Which is a couple of days only. I am sure they will be on display for the public in the summertime (maybe on 20th August). The user brigade Facebook page shows parts of a 4-colour camo but it is not completed yet. Anyway, the final appearance will be seen soon (fingers xd).
As a plan B I also bought a decal set for polish Leopard 2A5 (I have the Revell kit in the stash). Multiple choices to choose from. As I usually take some 5-6 months for a build, no doubt I have to start it in July.
Anyway, keep up on the good works and post post the build photos.
Tamás
GazzaS
#424
Joined: April 23, 2015
KitMaker: 4,648 posts
Armorama: 2,248 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 28, 2020 - 09:01 PM UTC
Torsten,
Your camo looks good! Thank you for telling me how you washed them. I'm amazed that you had an automatic machine. When I was in the Marines and we would wash our M-109's or M-198's, all we had was a fire hydrant and hose... and soap and scrub brushes.
I want to depict mine with a bit of dirt, but no wear. I hope my commander figure will arrive soon. Something like this:
Your camo looks good! Thank you for telling me how you washed them. I'm amazed that you had an automatic machine. When I was in the Marines and we would wash our M-109's or M-198's, all we had was a fire hydrant and hose... and soap and scrub brushes.
I want to depict mine with a bit of dirt, but no wear. I hope my commander figure will arrive soon. Something like this:
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
Armorama: 326 posts
Posted: Monday, June 29, 2020 - 06:44 AM UTC
Tamas, you're most welcome here to join the fun. Of course you can switch from the Netherlands to Hungary with your build. Good to hear that your country will start getting the Leos from next month on. But as there are still no photos existing of them, I must request a picture of the original here in this campaign thread please. You can start your build whenever you like and when this campaign is coming to an end we'll see how far every participant is.
I also like your idea of that 2A5PL. Where did you get that decal set from? I still have the Hobbyboss 2A5/A6 kit in my stash and I would like to build it as polish one day .... But I also have the plan to get the Borders kit of the 2A5/A6, where polish decals are included. Their 2A5 have a slightly different camo to their earlier 2A4, which have the Bundewehr camo.
No matter what you do, your build will be watched ....
I also like your idea of that 2A5PL. Where did you get that decal set from? I still have the Hobbyboss 2A5/A6 kit in my stash and I would like to build it as polish one day .... But I also have the plan to get the Borders kit of the 2A5/A6, where polish decals are included. Their 2A5 have a slightly different camo to their earlier 2A4, which have the Bundewehr camo.
No matter what you do, your build will be watched ....
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
Armorama: 326 posts
Posted: Monday, June 29, 2020 - 07:07 AM UTC
Gary, now you know the difference between the US Marines and the Bundeswehr. It's the automatic tank wash!
Of course we also used ordinary scrub brushes. I like that photo you've posted. Brings back many memories, though I was on a 2A4 only in the first year of my service 1985/86. But we never had these camo uniforms, only one tone olive-green and in the tank we wore the same leather helmets like the polish guy in my posting above. So this is a much later photo. The last 2A4 was taken out of Bundeswehr service inn 2008.
I did a quick search on Google and found indeed 2 photos of the Panzerwaschanlage in Wendisch-Evern at our old local training ground ....
These photos must have been made in the late 1980's or early 90's. Still looks in good shape, others are in pitiable conditions today or gone.
Torsten
Of course we also used ordinary scrub brushes. I like that photo you've posted. Brings back many memories, though I was on a 2A4 only in the first year of my service 1985/86. But we never had these camo uniforms, only one tone olive-green and in the tank we wore the same leather helmets like the polish guy in my posting above. So this is a much later photo. The last 2A4 was taken out of Bundeswehr service inn 2008.
I did a quick search on Google and found indeed 2 photos of the Panzerwaschanlage in Wendisch-Evern at our old local training ground ....
These photos must have been made in the late 1980's or early 90's. Still looks in good shape, others are in pitiable conditions today or gone.
Torsten
agriamodeling
Joined: March 09, 2018
KitMaker: 206 posts
Armorama: 205 posts
Posted: Monday, June 29, 2020 - 08:22 AM UTC
Hi Torsten,
Thanks for encouragement, I will surely jump in the fun.
No question, I will not start modeling a Hungarian tank unless I have all reference photos needed after the first ones will arrive (and hopefully willbe displayed). The camo scheme is one thing but any Hungarian-specific change would happen (if any) is another key factor to find out and realize during the build. I am keen on the specific details during a build as much as possible and a/m PE sets or scratchbuilding enables.
So I keep waiting patiently - or use the Toro-models decals:
http://www.toro-model.com.pl/pliki/kalki35e.htm
I also have that Border model kit but I want to use it for an urban camo German tank. Revell 2A5/A5NL model is the only option for the Polish version for me.
Cheers,
Tamás
Thanks for encouragement, I will surely jump in the fun.
No question, I will not start modeling a Hungarian tank unless I have all reference photos needed after the first ones will arrive (and hopefully willbe displayed). The camo scheme is one thing but any Hungarian-specific change would happen (if any) is another key factor to find out and realize during the build. I am keen on the specific details during a build as much as possible and a/m PE sets or scratchbuilding enables.
So I keep waiting patiently - or use the Toro-models decals:
http://www.toro-model.com.pl/pliki/kalki35e.htm
I also have that Border model kit but I want to use it for an urban camo German tank. Revell 2A5/A5NL model is the only option for the Polish version for me.
Cheers,
Tamás
GazzaS
#424
Joined: April 23, 2015
KitMaker: 4,648 posts
Armorama: 2,248 posts
Posted: Monday, June 29, 2020 - 08:58 AM UTC
Thank you for the photos of the Panzerwaschanlage. I think it would make a great diorama subject.
I believe my commander figure is wearing the black beret.
Gaz
I believe my commander figure is wearing the black beret.
Gaz
ivanhoe6
Joined: April 05, 2007
KitMaker: 2,023 posts
Armorama: 1,234 posts
Posted: Monday, June 29, 2020 - 11:02 PM UTC
Tamas, you will really enjoy your Border Models Leo. IMHO, it's the best of all other manufacturers and I've built them all. Have fun !
agriamodeling
Joined: March 09, 2018
KitMaker: 206 posts
Armorama: 205 posts
Posted: Friday, July 03, 2020 - 01:43 AM UTC
BREAKING NEWS!!!
Very first Hungarian Leopard 2A4 has been observed in Germany - reported David Attenborough. The famous family of the Big Cat species has been expanded with a long-time awaited new version finally! Their homeland will be in Hungary very soon.
https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/bemutatkoztak-az-elso-magyar-felsegjelzesu-leopardok/?fbclid=IwAR0eFvTAWbhG81185wJjdapbPF7L4DWr3itiOGKUjZy4Ujv1lOfMqhftNpQ
Very first Hungarian Leopard 2A4 has been observed in Germany - reported David Attenborough. The famous family of the Big Cat species has been expanded with a long-time awaited new version finally! Their homeland will be in Hungary very soon.
https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/bemutatkoztak-az-elso-magyar-felsegjelzesu-leopardok/?fbclid=IwAR0eFvTAWbhG81185wJjdapbPF7L4DWr3itiOGKUjZy4Ujv1lOfMqhftNpQ
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
Armorama: 326 posts
Posted: Friday, July 03, 2020 - 07:05 AM UTC
Thanks for the link, Tamas. That's a cool looking camo. Another 4 tone like the greek but completely different. Do you know what kind of blue that is?
So, now you're approved for a 2A4H .... or is it -HU .... or -M? Questions over questions ....
So, now you're approved for a 2A4H ....
or is it -HU .... or -M? Questions over questions .... agriamodeling
Joined: March 09, 2018
KitMaker: 206 posts
Armorama: 205 posts
Posted: Friday, July 03, 2020 - 07:43 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Thanks for the link, Tamas. That's a cool looking camo. Another 4 tone like the greek but completely different. Do you know what kind of blue that is?
So, now you're approved for a 2A4H ....
I am unsure if that color is blue or simply matter of light / camera issue during pics taken. My assumption is that this could be a kind of olive drab or some crazy color. I will start collecting information abiut the official color codes, also will check where the tanks will be displayed for details etc... btw, there are two 2A4 tanks ready. Ibelieve that the 2A7 in the background is just a decoration and not a Hungarian tank.
The markings are likely not yet full as there are the Hungarian national mark (tricolor wedge), a speed limit info (60 on the right side fender front), unit marks on the turret, tanker mark on the other fender front and ID-plate inthe front middle.
I can start building the tracks, hull and turret basic parts, suspension and wheels without any more photos.
I will update you and all after more details known.
Tamas
GazzaS
#424
Joined: April 23, 2015
KitMaker: 4,648 posts
Armorama: 2,248 posts
Posted: Friday, July 03, 2020 - 10:27 AM UTC
I like that camo! I've never been overly in-love with NATO camo.
Spearhead01
Joined: August 27, 2019
KitMaker: 79 posts
Armorama: 77 posts
Posted: Friday, July 03, 2020 - 10:48 AM UTC
Finally some time to build! After the first step, I realize that E sprue is missing! The whole casting frame E is missing! What to do? I'm afraid my Strv 121 will be delayed ...
/Freddy
/Freddy
panamadan
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 1,513 posts
Armorama: 1,449 posts
Posted: Friday, July 03, 2020 - 11:52 AM UTC
The new Hungarian Leo has a US M240 in the loaders station.
Dan
Dan
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
Armorama: 326 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 04, 2020 - 09:27 AM UTC
Tamas, on a 2nd view that colour looks to me like a blueish dark grey. But the camo is special anyway.
Gary, that hungarian Leopard has no NATO Standard Camouflage. Your Leo has it ....
Freddy, that's bad to hear. What brand is your kit? Maybe you can write an e-mail to the main distributor or even the manufacturer (if it's Revell Germany), and they can help you out. And don't worry about the deadline of this campaign. We'll see how far everyone of us is in October ....
Dan, what do you mean? I don't understand ....
Gary, that hungarian Leopard has no NATO Standard Camouflage. Your Leo has it ....
Freddy, that's bad to hear. What brand is your kit? Maybe you can write an e-mail to the main distributor or even the manufacturer (if it's Revell Germany), and they can help you out. And don't worry about the deadline of this campaign. We'll see how far everyone of us is in October ....
Dan, what do you mean? I don't understand ....
panamadan
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 1,513 posts
Armorama: 1,449 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 04, 2020 - 10:26 AM UTC
Look at the loaders MG-it's not a German MG3, it's a US M240.
agriamodeling
Joined: March 09, 2018
KitMaker: 206 posts
Armorama: 205 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 04, 2020 - 05:05 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Look at the loaders MG-it's not a German MG3, it's a US M240.
There is a hot forum topic these days about the tank presence now. 99% of the topicers do not like this camo and describe the yellow as lemon color. I disagree, as there is a photo with 2A7 in the background and if you zoom into the 2A4 camo with the 2A7 color, they seem to me identical. So the yellow is likely a desert yellow color. Btw, that 2A7 is told to be a Quatar version.
The greyish color is a big question,ark for me as I expected NATO black (extreme dark grey) instead. It is what it is, the report confirmed as “final camo painting” so everybody shall live with it.
And also some topicmembers describe the loader MG as FN-MAG. The reason is that these tanks are second hand ones and could be originazed in armies with such MG version (I think Austria and Netherlnds were quoted).
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