Hi all,
I want to start a really big project (for me): built a Leopard 1V (the dutch version). So, I have the following models to make the work:

Leopard 1 Tamiya
Leopard 1A4 Tamiya
Leopard 1A1A1 Revell of Germany.

I know that I can build almost OOB from the Revell kit, but want to get into the dark world of scratch and kitbash for real, not with little pieces only.

The idea is to use the chassis and tracks of the Leopard 1A4, the turret of the Leopard 1 and the side turret armor and small items from the Revell one. Any leftovers of all kits will be used to make some T2K sort of vehicle.....


My doubts came to this....
¿Are there any size differences between the turrets of the old Tamiya Leo 1and the one of the Revell/Italeri kit? I´m using the Tamiya models because that old Leo 1seems to never going to leave the shelf (being the only kit that has stayed there for years),
Any sugestions and info will be much apreciated

Best regards

Personally, I'd just use the Revell kit and call it a day. The Revell Leopard 1s share a number of molds with the Italeri Leopards which have always been considered the superior kits.

You will be able to cut your teeth with scratch building as you will need to build the Dutch smoke dischargers, MAG-58 mount and the mounting point for the thermal sight that was not to be. In my humble opinion, the pioneer tools can use some detailing as they don't really include the proper mounting plates/clasps and the radiator intake screen on the engine deck needs some help.

I would humbly suggest that you will be quite busy just using the Revell kit as a base for your project.

If you are looking for a project for the Tamiya 1A4, perhaps, you could convert it to a Canadian C1 or C1A1 (using one of the superb Maple Leaf Models conversion sets) or do a 1A5DK. I believe Accurate Armour makes a set for this but for the latest version you will need to scratch build things like a rear turret bustle rack or the air generator/AC unit fitted to KFOR tanks.

By the way, if you haven't already picked up Michael Shakleton's Leopard 1 trilogy (published by Barbarosa books), I would strongly recommend that you do so. The set is a little pricy but is well worth the money as the series has been very well thought out and put together (and there are plenty of 1:35 scale drawings to get you started on a number of Leo projects).

Cheers - Dan

Thanks for your reply and contributions Dan,
I guess that old Tamiya Leo1 it´s going to stay on the shelf LOL
best regards

If you want accuracy use the Revell/Germany kit. It is far more detailed than the Tamiya kit. The hull is from the Italeri Leopard 1A4 kit.

Are you planning to build a Dutch Leopard 1V or the Chilean version?

There are some significant modifications needed to either:

-hull stowage tool boxes, only the back deck tools are exposed
-thermal imaging collar on the left front turret
-Dutch style smoke grenade launchers(you can get these from the Italeri or Revell/Germany Leopard 2A5 kit)
-MAG 58 MG mounted on the turret
-old style chevron D139E2 tracks
-no snow grouser racks on glacis plate
-original short style tow cables
-U.S. style antennas and mounts

..lots to keep you in the dark world.

Hi Jason,
In fact I alredy built the Italeri Leo2A6, so i´m getting from there the smoke grenade launchers and the MAG.
The chilean version it´s almost the same that the dutch, except for the tracks you mention, our Leos arrived with the Diehl. The thermal imaging collar I´m doing it with Tamiya epoxy putty and the extra stowage with plasticard and copper sheet.
So, since most of the little parts in the rear and turret are going to be extracted from the damage Revell kit i was gaved, the hull can be Tamiya with no problems....
best regards

Excellent, good luck with your project...please post some images of the build and when it is complete.

thanks, i´ll start in december....
best regards