Which version of the Leopard was in front-line service with the German army in around 1985-1987?Hope this isn't off topic, I wanted to do a diorama with one in it.

Do you mean the Leopard 1?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_1

Also remember that the Bundeswehr introduced the 3 tone Nato scheme in '85, so you can opt for either that or plain olive.

Not certain but I think both Leopards were upto A4 version at that time,

So, Leopard 1A4 and Leopard 2A4.

I'm fairly certain that the Leopard 1A5 would be more prevalent than the Leopard 1A4.

Paul

There were many Leopard 1 and 2 versions very much in front line service with the Bundeswehr between 85-87....

Leopard 1A1A1-A1A4
Leopard 1A2
Leopard 1A3
Leopard 1A4
Leopard 1A5....first vehicle wasn't delivered until early 1987.

Leopard 2A1...3rd Batch...1984 in service...cover plate over the NBC system
Leopard 2A2...Modernized 1st Batch....1984 in service...crosswind sensor deleted
Leopard 2A3...4th Batch...1985 in service...painted in NATO cam and ammunition supply hatch welded shut
Leopard 2A4...5th Batch...1987 in service..no ammunition supply hatch

Tell us about your diorama.

Well, I wanted to do a "what if" cold war diorama in West Berlin.It's going to have a East German T-72 and BMP-2. I was going to use a Chieftain with the Berlin Brigade camo.But now I'm thinking of using a West German Leopard.