Well

I decided to build Tamiya's LeClerc (Series Two) kit. I have ordered the Voyager LeClerc update set, the Blast Models Galix Combat Protection System upgrade. I am debating on ordering the UNIFIL Decal set from Echelon, while a solid white tank leaves many options for weathering and "dirtying", I am unsure of a solid white paint job.

Started the hull and suspension mounts. So far everything is going together well. After drying, I mounted the suspension arms and used the leveling guides to ensure that everything was straight.

Here is the first of what will be lots of photos



And this is a pic from the Echelon site of the UNIFIL Markings


More to come soon, but bear with me, I am competing with our wacky flying schedules, bad shift hours, and my Elco PT-596 taunting me from across the room

This Leclerc kit is a great thing.

Mine is almost completed - also in UN markings.

Good luck!

I have the UNIFIL Leclerc decal set. I can give it to you for close to nothing.
Send me a PM if you want it.
Evan

I hope you keep us updated on this build, it looks interesting

Good to see some french MBT
I hope to see more of your work

Cheers
Seb

Super exciting project.... yes you can go in many directions with the weathering of a white tank.

Highly recommended reading and reference- Landing Zone Lebanon

http://www.blue-steel.info/unifil-sample-pages.html" TARGET="_blank"> http://www.blue-steel.info/unifil-sample-pages.html

And make sure you check out Olivier's LeClerc Tweak list and his website about everything french!

http://olivier.carneau.free.fr/revues/Detailing%20Tamiya%20Leclerc%20V1_1.pdf

http://olivier.carneau.free.fr/gb_version/index.htm

Keep us posted!

Very good project....always good to see modern armour in UN white.

Use the tweak list that Carmen posted and do some image searching on the internet for UNIFIL tanks.....and search Getty Images for "UNIFIL French".

Take the time to add the very distinct anti-slip surfaces...they really stand out on the Leclerc.

Painting a white AFV is fun and a challenge...but really no different than painting anything else....the basics are all still the same.

Here's an image of my UNIFIL Leclerc (I still have a diorama and an article to finish for a modelling magazine).

I saw that tank in action a good week ago and was seriously impressed.

How's that Tamiya kit? Does it have lots of stuff to correct or can you simply upgrade it with certain sets without having to cut, slice, fill, rebuild, you know what I mean?

John

So far this kit is perfect in my opinion. On the hull and turret, there is some nice anti-slip areas moulded on.

I am not one for uber-detailing, only because I am (IMHO) not that experienced to start fabricating items.

I am going to mod a few things like it says in the guide, and I plan on using as much from the Voyager set as possible.

Pics tomorrow

"How's that Tamiya kit? Does it have lots of stuff to correct or can you simply upgrade it with certain sets without having to cut, slice, fill, rebuild,..."

It is one of the best military kits ever released by Tamiya.

The PE set by Voyager provides many useful upgrades and details, most of them are for the turret and in particular for the storage box at the rear.

Actually this box gonna be replaced by a PE box consisting of nearly 40 parts.

Although supplied with this set I did not use the metal barrel for mine Leclerc as Tamiya's one looks better (though it does not consist of one piece).

One thing what's not supplied in any upgrade sets are detailing parts like tubes, wires for the holding devices of the external fuel drums.


Even if you like to use each part of the Voyager set there is not much to cut apart from the rear which would need some extra work in case you like to replace the mud flaps, the tow cable etc.


Tamiya's Leclerc belongs to these kind of kits you like to build more than once.

"Tamiya's Leclerc belongs to these kind of kits you like to build more than once."

I would agree, thats why I bought three, I have been cheating with my Hobby Store, using my Military Star Card to buy Visa gift cards to use at Hobbytown USA

I am looking at getting the Blast Models LeClerc crew.

This is one good kit I am enjoying, I like the metal road wheels, and the small details are nice. But since it is a French tank, my PT-596 is laughing me from across the room.

My plan for this is to set up a check point scene with soldiers and crew, and I can finally use those Jersey Barriers from Accurate Armour

Thanks for your replies concerning the quality of this kit. You certainly got me interested!

In return, anyone who would like a few pictures of the tank actually driving send me your e-mail address by PM.

Cheers,

John

Hi Guys

Building my Leclerc in OTAN-camo I stumbled over and got this book from AMAZON (LINK)

Char Leclerc : De la guerre froide aux conflits de demain (Relié)
de Marc Chassillan (Auteur)

http://www.amazon.fr/Char-Leclerc-guerre-froide-conflits/dp/2726894380/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248886491&sr=1-1

My french is close to none existent, but the pictures in that book didn‘t need many words.
I found it to be one of the best illustrated books on modern Tanks there is around, (on par with the new Leopard 2 book) although I can‘t read a bloody thing.

Cheers
Christopher

Well

Great Models hasn't shipped my Voyager set, talked to them and they said that my back ordered items for the 1/35 S-100 Schnellboote are due in very soon and they want to minimize the cost of shipping for me

So the kit is at a standstill for now

I did find a cool picture of a UNIFIL Leclerc on Google, check this out


Looking at this, I can see the opportunities for weathering and "beating it up" as my dad calls it

if u want to know all about leclerc see the great site,engins blindés francais
sry i m not clever enough to give u instant access,search on google
it s the greatest reference about leclercs

Très magnifique.

What I have been using for my Leclerc is this site which provides many close-up pics - IMO a must if you like to use an upgrade set.

As I mentioned before some scratch builds at the rear are necessary.

Concerning the fuel lines it seems that Jason has realised them too.

Well done .

Cody nice subject, This isn't modelled much and its a Intereasting subject!.
Nice start Cody. Jason that is one cracking build mate!

Well

I got the upper hull glued to the lower, I was amazed as there were no fit issues. But for now, I really cant do too much till the voyager set gets here, which should be shipping on Monday (yay)

Here are some pics



Forgive about the quality pics, the camera I am using is a Nikon D40 that I got for Christmas and I am still learning how to use it and all it's millions of settings

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions and advice. I am liking this kit and plan on modding my next one for service in the U.A.E. Self Defense Force and the third in traditional NATO French Service

But I guess I can work on my Royal Twins project, a Challenger I Mk III in Gulf War Markings and a Challenger II in full slat and Chobham

Nice start so far Chandler. I just have one point about the rear light clear parts : you should glue them in place before joining both hull halves. Otherwise you'll get in serious trouble to add them later on.

Concerning your project of an UAE Leclerc, be aware that you'll have to modify in a quite large extent the engine deck and the turret. That is not an easy build but if you get enough pictures this could be interesting to see. Good luck for this future one.

As you intend to build your current model as a UNIFIL MBT, you should be aware that the Galix smoke grenades are nearly never fitted. They could be fitted if the alert status were high which is not the case at the moment. Feel free to check my site, I made some pictures of Leclercs during my tour there.

Olivier

I might hold off on the UAE LeClerc, only due to lack of good photos

Managed to pop open the hull, cannot believe that I forgot to add the lights. I had added the rear plate because of some light warping in the hull (kit was in my hot car while I ate lunch, and it's nuclear hot here in Vegas)

My Voyager set arrives tomorrow, but I have to let all of you know, it's going to be another week before I start back up, I have a small TDY to Texas, our squadron doeas small roadshows around the country and I got picked to go

I am following this post with interest and would like to do the LeClerc in white as well, anyone know where the UNIFIL Decal are in stock?

Check the Echelon Fine Details site....Distributors....Stevens International in the U.S. has them listed as available on their site.

Sent out the decals Saturday, Chandler. let me know when you get them.
Evan

I got them today, thanks a lot man.