Hi there,

I have just uploaded several photos of "Black" recce Leopard 1A5DK's, kindly provided by Andreas Kirchhoff (Thanks Andreas!)

After studying the photos, I have concluded that these Leo's isn't entirely black, although it seems that the turrets is completely black on several on them. I think the green used is darker than the standard green colour used on Danish vehicles. I suggest that the painters mixed some black in the standard green.

Note the black registration number on 62.481.

Anyway, judge for yourself. I think these shots are quite interesting! Interesting markings as well...









More: http://www.howitzer.dk

Bjoern

Interesting ...

Wouldn't a black leopard be a panther?

They could be painted with NATO black with is actually very dark green?

1. Opklarings eskadron (no 1 recon.squ.) have for some years traditionally painted their tanks black. There are pictures of M41DK in black too.

The colour is the standard Danish black, which is all most identical to standard NATO black. The last picture shows a shameful practice that has been allowed in our armed forces; to allow semi nazi markings on Danish vehicles. It’s an embarrassment to see a Danish tank called “Leibstandarte”

Isnt "Leibstandarte" translated into "life guard" or "body guard"? I understand the reference to 1st SS, but is it the same thing?

Hi!
Actually not. Standarte is kind of a flag I would say. Life guard translates into Leibgarde or Leibwache.

Andreas

Great to see more images of these mysterious tanks......it totally validates my future project.

Does anyone know when the fascine carrier arm modifications were done to the dozer blades on the 1A5DKs?

Hi Jason,
from my knowledge that was in the mid to late 90s. Before this time, fascines were also used. But these were fixed to the blade with chains. So, the hooks behind the dozer had been there very much earlier. The forks made transportation and dropping easier. Note that the hinges of the forks were different with the older and the new type blades. On the cutting edge on the old type blades, over the cutting edge on the new type of blade.

Andreas

Thanks very much Andreas......I think I will be adding the dozer blade, forks, and the fascine roll to my black Recce Leopard.

Hi!
Be aware that the bade is not exactly the same used in Canada or Australia. It has extensions on the sides and the hooks for the transport chains for fascine carrying on the back. There are two different types of blades introduced-one came with the earlier batch of Leo 1A3DK, and the newer ones were produced as the Leo 1A4 improved to 1A5DK was added to the fleet. On the pictures are the newer ones. Thede have different blade extensions which can be bolted to the rear side when not in use, also there are changes to the sides of the blades to fit the extensions.

Andreas

Thanks....I actually have a few of the Danscale Danish Leopard 1 dozer blade kits......they have the blade extensions included.

I am aware of the two types of blades and the Danscale kit is the newer version.

What ever happened to the masters for the Dan-Scale dozer blade?

Paul

The guy that owns Dan-Scale still has them......I know a guy who knows the Dan-Scale guy and he got the Dan-Scale guy to cast me some dozer blade kits......clear as mud or just mysterious?

It does not appear that the Dan-Scale guy is opening up his business again.

It's a mystery why he didn't sell it to Accurate Armour like he did the Leo 1A5 DK and the PNMK.

Paul

I totally agree......

I also managed to get the conversion parts for the Danish Leopard 1A5DK-1.......the APU and A/C unit that adapt to the back of the turret and the white light searchlight.

With all those parts and the dozer blade I will be making a KFOR Leopard 1A5DK-1.

Hallo, all,

does anybody see any chance to get a dozer DK and a conversion DK-1 anywhere?

Harald

Interesting pictures, Bjoern.

Thanks for sharing

Niels Frederiksen "the Dan Scale guy" is not producing anymore, however he attends shows in Denmark from time to time and sells his left overs.

I'll try to contact him and return as soon as I've heard from him

Kenneth

Leftovers would be fantastic.

Paul

I would like one, too!!

Harald