http://www.y-modelle.de/leopard-2-a7-bundeswehr-p-3140.html
The latest Bundeswehr Leopard 2 version available in 1/35 scale.

OOOO, I may have to pick that one up. Wonder why they made it for the Hobbyboss kit. I'd think the Tamiya or even the Revell Leopard 2A6M would have been a better starting point.

I can't enlarge the images in the Y-Modelle site to see the details.

What are the external differences between a Leopard 2A6 and a Leopard 2A7? Obviously the changes are more subtle than the Leopard 2A7+.

I see some small add on rubber front fenders and an APU at the right rear hull, anything else?

I guess they designed the set for the Hobby Boss Leopards since it might be easier to add the modifications for the A7 to them, due to the way their parts are engineered so to allow to build the different versions with almost the same basic kit.
Let's think for example in the hull right back, where you can choose between the standard versions and the underarmor APU ones, or the way the back of the turret is designed to add the different versións' details...
Anyway, for me the only good base choice for an accurate Leopard 2 is the Tamiya offering, not the Revell one.

Hi Jason,
the rear of the turret is extensivly modified with an a/c system and other gadgets. But I have to check my sources first.

Differences between Leopard 2 A6 and A7:
- EKKA Energie und Kampftraumkühlanlage (Aircondition for crew
area) Herefore, the turret rear is completely rebuild
- APU bulge on the right rear side.
- IFIS Command and control system. Mountings for the IFIS screen
left of the commanders hatch and on the hatchcover.
- new Comrod antenna mounts
- improved internal communications sytem. A new hatch for
the external telephone in place where the Leitkreuz was.
The Leitkreuz moved to the left.
- modified stowage baskets for camouflage netting
- new stowage for tools.
- ready for the addaption of extra armour.
- improved fire supression sytem.
- new HE rounds DM11
Looks like that you need from the HB kit only the lower hull and suspension.
HTH
Hans-Hermann

Thanks! Are you able to post the images from the Y-Modelle site?

Sorry I am not.
But I think we may see a review soon, www.panzer-modell.de is a very good source for such reviews.
H.-H.

I am currently working on a book about the Leopard 2A7 MBT together with a friend which will get released in 2015. The roll-out of the first series vehicle will take place next week on 10 December 2014 with KMW in Munich.

Kind regards,
Ralph

Great to hear about the book Ralph.

Roughly how many 2A7s are going to be entering service with the Bundeswehr?

Ralph, I'd like to go to that roll-out, but I understand it's an 'invitation only' type of event. Too bad, not too far for me on the S-Bahn. Are you able to go?

Jim

Slightly better views







H.P.

Just wondering .... how many more opportunities is TAMIYA going to miss or ignore ?

This does not mean that the kit presented by Y-Modelle is infirior in any which way and I am glad that somebody reacted to this subject so fast !
BTW are there any shots of how this kit is broken down in to parts ?
Just thinking of the possiablity using the TAMIYA kit as basis.

Cheers
Christopher

Thanks for posting the Y-Modelle images.

Here's a bit of info on the Leopard 2A7. The image shows details of the hull and turret rear. The new Canadian 2A4s have the same tank telephone arrangement.

http://www.kampfpanzer.de/site/subText/357

Hi Jim,
getting involved in such an event is VERY difficult when your not from the media or the military. Perhaps if you say the you will buy 50 Leopard 2 A7 (in 1/1 scale of course), you can get an invitation.

Dear Jim,

I am sorry but there wont be a chance for you to attend this ceremony. I might be there but from tonight on I will be at the German Army Combat Training Center for a week.

I already photographed the Leopard 2A7 MBT during several trials this summer.

I am quite often near Munich due to my Job for Audi in Ingolstadt.

All the best
Ralph

Thanks Guys, wishful thinking on my part, I figured it would be pretty tough to get in to such an event. Doesn't hurt to check though!

Cheers,
Jim