Jason Bobrowich reviews the Leopard 1 L7 Gun Barrel "Australian/Canadian Thermal Sleeve"in 1/35th scale, made by Leopard Workshop.

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Thanks!

Thank you again Jason.

I would like to clarify the point about the T-brackets that hold the sleeve onto the mantlet. These are NOT missing from the kit as the sleeve components start in front of the T-brackets. These are moulded onto all existing plastic Leopard 1 mantlets, though not vey well done in all cases. I did consider producing etch brass replacements, but this would mean surgery to said mantlets. Also one of the selling points of these barrels is the total lack of etch in these sets.

I also dispute the statement about parts missing from the forward sleeve. I chose to split this into three for ease of casting. It is very, very difficult to cast long lengths of tube accurately, so this was a sensible breakdown. The idea of a wrap between the two sections is also perfectly sensible to 'simulate' the joint over the top of the sleeve. There is no need for a wrap underneath unless you use a micrometer to measure it. Granted some filler will be needed to blend the top sections. I used layman's terms in the instructions to avoid confusion.

I was disappointed by the way the casters used casting blocks - especially overly heavy ones on the collimator and counterweight. This was out of my control.

Sorry for the long-winded comments but I feel I have to clarify these points.

I think it comes down to what a modeller can live with as far as details on the barrel. I completely understand the approach taken in casting larger parts and the trade off for accuracy.

In Dan Hay's image of a Canadian Leopard C2 from Prime Portal one can see the large single piece upper and lower thermal jackets. There is only the horizontal overlapping seam between the upper and lower halves and a smooth transition between the wider portions. Whether tape or foil or another approach is taken the horizontal seam is a detail that should flow through the entire component.

This is not a fatal flaw in the Leopard Workshop barrel but simply a detail that modellers should be aware of so they can choose how to or not to tackle it.



The clamps attaching the Base Unit to the mantlet are a similar issue. I understand the approach to not include PE parts. Very admirable with respect to keeping costs down. But, it is still a detail that is visible and missing.

Again, not a fatal flaw hence the overall 90% review rating a thumbs up recommendation for this product.





Another detailed view of a Leopard C1 barrel taken by Day Hay on Prime Portal.

Thank you for the photos and your comments. As I tried to explain, my barrels start at the first ring and do not include this base section where the clamps are because they are already moulded onto the mantlets of every plastic Leo 1 kit. Unfortunately no manufacturer represents these clamps very well - it is true. However, etch is available from the likes of Eduard, etc,

I think that clarifies the issue quite well Michael.

What you have done with the resin Base Unit is actually provided a shortened version in order to compensate for the rest of the Base Unit parts already present on Leopard 1 kits.

"This is the only aftermarket barrel specifically designed for the Canadian and Australian Leopards."

More to the above (pressed return too quickly) mouse House have been producing a one piece resin barrel based on the local Leopard AS1 gate guardian for about 20 months. Product code MA122. FYI