Hi folks,

Another finished build, the new Leo 2A4 from Hobbyboss, done in Chilean Army colours. This paint scheme (or a very close one) is the one that´s going to be used in this tanks....so it´s kind of a "what if " yet, at least until 4 more days (official takeover in Germany)

I added some resin, kit bashed and scratch built stowage and details only to gave it a more busy look. The kit was built mainly OOB just to know how it was. I may say that I´m not sure if its a real improvement in some areas compared to the old Italeri/Revell edition, but went together well, except for a little problem with the fit of the turret rear. Also you got to change the tow cables and clean the tracks, too many flash on it.

As always, if you are on detailing, you cann add, improve and/or replace many features, but I really like the kit (and the price!!! quite convenient... I guess you can´t ask much of this kit for that reason)

Painted with Humbrol enamels, weathering and details with Vallejo Acrylics, oils and Mig Pigments. Figures are from Tamiya.




















Hope you like it and constructive feedback always much welcome. Thanks for looking.

Cheers

Very interesting subject. when did Chile buy the Leo 2? Looks good as well.

Thanks Larry. The tanks were bought last year and the first batch of them are alredy here, but the official takeover its in a couple of more days in Germany...and will be escorted by Marders and Gepards yeaaaahhhh

Cheers

Why is Chile buying all the hard ware? Getting ready for a war? Great subject and build. Keep up the great work.

So the Chilean army will have Gepards and Marders as well or is it just a "marketing stunt" at the parade? Are they in service already? do you have any info on the camouflage schemes? The same as the Leo?

Good job on the Leopard. Did you do the anti skid areas yourself?

What was the Hobby Boss 2A4 like to build?

Thanks for the comments guys.

Ray, the Army started plans almost 15 years ago to replace a lot of obsolete and worn out hardware in the inventory and to mechanize most of the units. More up to date equipment, better dissuasion. And the opportunity was there, most of european countries shrinking the armed forces and liberating a lot of good condition equipment at a fair price....

Jesper, Marders and Gepards were announced a few days ago, so no paint schemes for them yet. But looking the the paint job gaved to the last vehicles acquired, its probable that will be like the one in my Leo, maybe a little darker. The anti skid were in the kit, not the best in my opinion so I painted it in a different colour to get more contrast.

Mike. In one sentence: easy and cheap. Except for the issue of the fit of the turret rear. As I said, only built it to know the kit. Can be improved in a lot of areas, but for the low price, you can ask much. But went together quite well, I have another one in the shelf, hope to get some images and proper reference soon to make a more detailed model. Be aware of 1 thing anyway: change the tow cables.

Cheers

Looks lovely. Possibly another contender for my potty every-Leopard-in-every-colour-scheme project (though I may relent and leave at least one of them in NATO colours). Two quick questions:

1 roughly what shade of brown/sand did you use? Is it one of the named varieties?
2 where did you get the markings?

seán

Thanks Sean. Colour its just plain Humbrol enamel US Tan (118) plus some touches after it was dry with Vallejo Acrylics (same colour). Decals were home made using the Testors Decal Set.


Cheers