Hi,

Can someone tell me about Italeri's Leopard 2A5 KWS?

I've been reading around and I can't seem to find a definite review about this particular kit.

While I am sure that Tamiya's Leo 2A5/A6 are superior kits, I'm just curious how (the more affordable) Italeri's offering fares in assembly and especially accuracy..?

Any inputs will be appreciated. Thanks!


BT6

Randy,
I can't tell you about the Italeri, but I did build Revell of Germany's Leo 2A5/6 (it comes with both barrels).
Not a bad kit, but it does not have all the details, and bells & whistles of it's Japenese counterpart.

It depends on what you are building it for. I just wanted a cheap, scale representation of one of my favorite MBTs.







Hope this helps.

Once upon a time, Terry Ashley of Perth did a comparison of the Italeri vs. Tamiya Leo 2A5. That was before I had the Tamiya kit and I won the Tamiya kit from Kithobbyist.com back in March 2001. (had to look that up on rec.models.scale).

I did a quick search of Perth and I didn't see it listed. MMiR #23 has a good review of the Tamiya Leo 2A5.

Randy, I build the Italieri kit, bought it mainly because it had decals for a Dutch version with it. I can't compare it with the Tamiya one as I have not even looked into the box of one. I can tell you that you won't be dissapointed with it, as it goes together well, no fit problems and the detail is very good. The kit also comes with a choice of MG's as the Dutch MAG is included. The only problem I had is the turret rear fouling the engine deck, which I solved by jamming a Humbroll paint tin inside, , just behind the turret ring, to raise the deck a little . Oh the tin was empty, you see, nothing goes to waste... .
It also has both the German and Dutch style smoke candles and convoilight. No motorisation holes in the bottom though.. .

Go for the Italieri one, you won't regret it

Cheers
Henk ( who just likes Italieri as they are very good value for money, not because he's paid by them)

This is my attempt.
It looks very similar to the Revell one (surprise) so detail wise there's probobly not much between them. Back to the price again then.

Cheers
Henk

The next post shows my attempt at the Dutch version.
(Don't ask)

The Gremlins are visiting again, third time lucky?

Thanks guys! Really appreciate it.

I actually have the said kit in storage already, and while my knowledge of this MBT won't fill a thimble, the only error I noted was a the lack of non-slip coating on the turret. Aside from that, it seems to be a nicely done kit.

I also noticed the optional parts for the Dutch version (MG and smoke grenades).

BTW, it is my understanding the at Revall AG and Ital offerings are identical save for the markings; and the latter is way cheaper here. The former almost having the same price tag with the Tamiya version!

Another question: Since the kit already includes the long barrel 120mm gun, will shoving that into the mantlet make the kit into a Leo 2A6 standard? If so, then why did Italeri release a 2A6 kit - or does the "EX" suffix mean an even newer variant?

I'm glad I bought this kit; again, thanks for the input, guys!


BT6

I like Italeri too. I just happen to be lucky and win the Tamiya one in a raffle drawing. I've not seen the Italeri one unbuilt in the box, but I have seen it built up before. I agree that it looks like a nice kit.

I do know that the Revell kit and Italeri kits are the same kits, but I do not know enough about the Leo 2A5 to know if just sticking a longer tube on it gives you an A6 or not. I think the "EX" suffix denotes and export variant, but I could be wrong.

Yes, replacing the gun with longer one will make Leopard 2A6. And yes, EX stands for newer variant, with additional armor, but Italeri (and Revell AG) kits are not EX... They announced EX kits, but then changed it to simple 2A6 and this is what was released. I understand that these new kits have some extra parts added, but I don't know what they could be as the longer barrel was already there.

Pawel

Hi all,
correct me if I'm wrong but the EX variant is looking like the Strv122 for the extra armor package with the A6 L55 gun.

cheers
olivier

Yes, that's basically true. I think there are differences in armor configuration between EX and Strv.122, but not major.

Pawel