Leopard 2

Manufacturer:

• Matchbox Leopard 2 A4 Kit #40182
• Monogram Leopard 2 A4 Kit #2322
• Revell AG. Leopard 2 A4 Kit #03103
• Revell AG. Leopard 2 A5 Kit #03105

I believe that theMatchbox, Monogram and Revell Leopard 2A4 kits are identical,except for decals. The Leoprd 2A5 kit is basically a modifiedversion of the earlier Leopard 2A4, and includes the entire A4model in the box, with an additional sprue of parts for the newturret. Molding quality is typical of Revell, with no flash orsinkmarks in my sample.

This first sprue includesthe main hull parts. Again, this is the same hull as in the A4kit. Detail is very fine, everything is well-molded. My typicalcomplaints are the closed driver's hatch, and the pioneer toolsmolded onto the hull. The configuration of the driver's hatch isincorrect for the A5. When upgrading the A4's to the A5 version,the driver's hatch was redesigned to slide open to the side,instead of lifting and twisting open. The kit includes someadditional armor parts to be glued in front of the hatch, whichwill help in reshaping the hatch a little bit, but more work isnecessary to make it correct. (Note that one side skirt ismissing in the scan; of course, two come with the kit.)

Sprue 2 has the lowerhull, and the old A4 turret. Notice the smaller detail parts castalongside the lower hull piece, i.e., the smoke launchers andturret handrails. These parts are missing from the early Monogramrelease of the Leopard 2A4 model. I do not know if they areincluded in the Revell issue of that version, or if they wereonly added for this A5 version. If anybody can let me know, I'dappreciate it.

Wheels and tracks. Thiswas the first modern MBT kit to include separate wheels, insteadof having each wheel pair molded as one. The wheels are not quiteas highly detailed as the wheels on their later releases, butthey are still pretty decent nonetheless. The link-and-lengthtracks are nicely done, with individual track teeth molded on thereverse side.

Here is the new sprue forthe A5 kit, with the new turret. It also includes a new style ofside armor skirts, a new gun, and additional armor pieces for thehull front. Notice the open hatches. Revell seems to haveregressed some with their later releases by now molding allhatches closed.

Markings are included fortwo German tanks. The decals are thin, matte, and well-printed.Regarding kit dimensions, according to Jane'sTanks and Combat Vehicles Recognition Guide ,and Osprey New Vanguard No. 24 - Leopard 2Main Battle Tank , the model is a littleshort, close to 1/74th, but otherwise correct.

Overall, this is a verygood model, with excellent detail and accuracy (except for thedriver's hatch). I have seen it built remarkably well by numerousmodelers, and I highly recommend it.