Introduction:

Wings & Wheels Publications offers a broad range of photographic manuals for modelers, covering various military vehicles in detail. After publishing the first part of Leopard 1 photo reference book dealing with 1A3 and 1A4 variants back in 2016, the company recently continued the series by releasing the second part of the Leopard 1 book line: Leopard 1 in Detail part 2, Cast Turret Leopard 1 A1/2/5 Variants (G051).

Review:

The best thing about modeling for me is adding the extra bits and pieces to the model, making an authentic miniature replica of the real vehicle. Most of my builds thus require reference material with photos showing various details of the subject from all the different angles. Over the years, I found WWP photo books provide exactly what I need for a very reasonable price.

I already reviewed the first part of the Leopard 1 series from WWP for Armorama (link) and I welcomed the opportunity to cover the second part of the series as well. Here are the basic facts:

Title: Leopard 1 in Detail part 2 (Cast Turret Leopard 1 A1/2/5 Variants)
Publisher: Wings & Wheels Publications (WWP)
Code: G051
Authors: František Kořán and Patrick Winnepennincks
Format: softcover (22x24 cm)
Pages: 120
Color: full color
Language: English
ISBN: 978-80-87509-58-6
Retail Price: $39 (€30)

The book features vehicles photographed in several military museums, most notably Deutches Panzermuseum Munster and Gunfire museum in Brasschaat, as well as on military exercises. The book includes over 440 photos organized in 14 chapters. The chapters are color coded on page edges, allowing easy navigation:

• German 1A1A4 (002-025)
• German 1A2A1 (026-037)
• German 1A5 (038-059)
• MG3 Machine Gun (060-061)
• Belgian 1 AVLS/SACT (062-073)
• Belgian 1A5 (074-085)
• Belgian 1A5 MEXAS (086-093)
• Dutch 1-V (094-097)
• Greek 1A5 (098-101)
• Canadian C2 (102-105)
• L7A3 105mm Gun (106-107)
• Exercise Firing Gear (108-109)
• Suspension (110-111)
• Engine Details (112-118)

The book starts with history and development of the cast turret Leopard 1 tank series. However, the info is not listed as an introductory chapter as with other WWP titles I reviewed, but under German 1A1A4 chapter. The chapter goes on with covering the 1A1A4 vehicle from Munster museum very comprehensively. After dealing with exterior hull and turret details, the chapter documents interior details particularly well... a real treat for all those interested in adding extra details to their models. German 1A2A1 chapter follows, depicting and explaining all the small variations of this particular Leopard 1 variant, describing the PZB 200 sight device as well as SW-30-U white/IR search light. Next up is German 1A5 chapter. It deals with 1A5 modifications, particularly the turret details: mantlet, barrel, add-on armor, upgraded optics and basket. Interior modernization details are included as well, with the new sights and electronics, gun stabilization system, etc. The short MG3 Machine Gun chapter closes the German Leopard 1 variants part of the book. Belgian 1 AVLS/SACT covers Belgian modification of Leopard 1 BE, updated with SABCA Automatic Firing Control System and a gun stabilization system, covering all the specific exterior and interior details of this Leopard variant. The chapter on Belgian 1A5 (BE) follows, again covering the peculiarities of this version, particularly the turret exterior modifications such as large gunner's sight, upgraded wind sensor, bustle rack extension and MAG-58 machine gun. Interior modifications are also displayed in detail. Belgian 1A5 (BE) MEXAS deals with a single up-armored vehicle which saw active service, however the upgrade was never added to other Belgian Leopards due to technical issues. All the Belgian vehicles were photographed at Brasschaat. Next up are 3-page chapters on Dutch 1A1A1 (1-V), covering the peculiarities of that particular variant, chapter on Greek 1A5, photographed during exercises in 2014, and chapter on Canadian C2, showing tanks belonging to Bovington Tank Museum collection. The book closes with chapters on L7A3 105mm Gun, depicting the Leopard 1 gun breech and cradle, Exercise Firing Gear, showing KADAG gunfire simulator and laser sensors, Suspension Details, as well as nicely covered Engine Details, aimed at those interested in MB 838 Cam-500 power pack and engine bay.

Recent offerings from WWP covering Leopard 1 variants are a perfect companion for modelers interested in building MENG’s or Takom’s 1/35 scale kits. The books are an even more valuable asset for all those tackling older Leopard kits from Tamiya, Revell or Italeri.

Conclusion:

WWP photo reference books tend to make a great impression on the most demanding modelers. The books are packed full of large color images, showing the subject in great detail, with the accompanying text kept to a minimum. Leopard 1 in Detail part 2 book follows the same format: printed on high-quality paper, professionally presented and featuring a ton of detailed images, the book offers comprehensive coverage of the iconic vehicle. Combined with the first part of the series, this book provides a wealth of reference material for all Leopard 1 fans, modelers and vehicle enthusiasts alike.